Page 74 of The Study of Poisons
A single candle lit the room where Inrick sat against the wall. Black curtains hung over the windows. Valek signaled that everything had proceeded as planned before sitting next to him. Although the holes were hidden behind a large piece of furniture in Star’s office, faint lantern light from that side illuminated them.
Multiple footsteps and the squeak of wooden floorboards sounded, warning them of activity.
“The food taster,” Star said with a satisfied purr. “I knew it was only a matter of time before I had you in my employ.”
“Who are you?” Yelena asked in a dismissive tone, letting Star know she wasn’t going to play around.
“You can call me Captain Star.”
No response from Yelena.
“I’m not part of Ambrose’s military,” Star explained. And Valek guessed Yelena must have appeared dubious about her captain title. “I have my own. Has Margg explained how I work?”
“Yes.”
“Good. This will be a simple exchange. This isn’t a social call; I don’t want gossip or hearsay. And don’t inquire about my business or about me. All you need to know is my name. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Good. What do you got?” Star asked. A chair creaked.
“The Commander has changed his successor,” Yelena said.
“How do you know?” Star asked.
“I overheard the Commander and Valek talking.”
“Ah, yes. Valek.” Star paused. “Why are you living in his apartment?”
“None of your business,” Yelena replied in a firm tone.
Valek approved of Yelena’s no-nonsense demeanor. It worked well for this situation.
“So why should I trust you?” Star asked.
“Because Valek would kill me if he knew I was here. You know it as well as I do. How much is my information worth?”
Another smart and accurate comment. A faint jingle of coins sounded.
“Your fifteen percent,” Star said. A pause, and then, “Anything else?” Star asked.
“Not at this time,” Yelena replied.
“When you have something for me, tell Margg. She’ll arrange another meeting.”
Footsteps and more squeaks sounded before Star asked her staff what they thought about the food taster.
Valek tapped on the notebook, letting Inrick know to keep taking notes while Valek hurried to meet with Margg and Yelena. He reached the alley just as they turned the corner. He took Yelena’s arm and guided her into the house, pulling her into a room on the first floor. Margg followed. The moonlight poured through the windows, illuminating them. Yelena peered at him in confusion.
“I was right, Valek,” Margg said. “She sold the Commander out for a gold coin. Check her pocket.”
“Actually, Yelena came to me before the meeting. She believed she was going to exposeyou,” Valek said to Margg.
Her gloating grin disappeared. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she demanded.
“No time.”
“Margg’s not the leak?” Yelena asked, still confused.
