Page 65 of The Study of Poisons
Margg left in a better mood than she’d arrived. Valek considered Star’s operation. He had moved four of his agents into the building next to Star’s and they’d drilled tiny holes in the walls to listen to her plans. They reported to him on a regular basis or when they learned something important, but Margg, who didn’t know about the agents next door, still updated him about her meetings.
He wondered if Star had really been pressuring her, or if it was Margg’s idea to approach Yelena to get her into trouble. He’d have to find out.
* * *
A few days later,Valek and Margg waited for Yelena near the entrance of the baths. The corridors in this area were dimly lit so there were plenty of shadows. Just to be safe, Valek stayed on the far side. If Yelena kept to her routine, she’d pass Margg on her way to get washed up after training.
It didn’t take long before Valek spotted Yelena walking toward them. She moved stiffly and her hand rested on her ribs as if she’d been injured. He had to clamp down on the sudden irrational desire to find her training partners and trounce them.
When Yelena drew closer, Margg stepped into view, blocking her.
Surprised, Yelena immediately backed up and assumed a fight stance. Pride at her reaction warmed his heart.
“What do you want?” Yelena asked after a beat. She sounded annoyed and on edge at the same time. “Are you running another errand for your master like a good doggie?”
Nice dig.
“Better than being a rat caught in a trap,” Margg said.
Yelena brushed past the larger woman.
“Would the rat like some cheese?” Margg asked.
Yelena stopped and turned. “What?”
“Cheese. Money. Gold. I bet you’re the kind of rat that would do anything for a piece of cheese.”
“What would I have to do to get a piece of cheese?” Yelena asked.
“I have a source that pays well for information. It’s the perfect setup for a little rat,” Margg said.
“What kind of information?”
“Anything you might overhear while you’re scurrying around the Commander’s office or Valek’s apartment. My contact pays on a sliding scale; the juicier the news, the bigger the chunk of cheese.”
Even though he knew Yelena would refuse, Valek held his breath.
“How does it work?”
Just wait.Don’tjump to conclusions.
“You give me the information,” she said, “and I pass it along. I collect the money, and give it to you, minus a fifteen percent fee.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that you’d stick to a fifteen percent cut of a total I’d be unaware of?”
Wait. Just…wait. She’s…just being…He wasn’t sure.
Margg shrugged. “It’s either that or nothing. I’d think that a half-starved rat like you would pounce on any morsel, no matter how small.” Margg stepped away as if she was about to leave.
Good. Go. Go.
“What if we went to your source together?” Yelena asked, stopping her. “Then you’d still receive your fee.”
CHAPTER13
Stunned, Valek gaped at Yelena as if she’d just transformed into another person. He’d been so sure of her response that he had no other reaction than total and complete disbelief.
Margg took the acceptance in stride, but she seemed uncertain about the unexpected request. “I’ll have to check,” Margg said before continuing down the hallway. She swept past Valek without glancing at him—all part of the plan, but a triumphant expression lit her face.
