S171

“Why are you asking me about a routine police matter?” says Ambassador Drake Ekard. He’s talking just loud enough to be heard above the crash of the waterfall.

He’s smooth and calm, but even I can read his sarcasm.

“You going to tell me what you know?” I ask.

He smiles. “Everything?”

“Sure.”

“That would take a few months.”

I sigh. “Lev gave me nothing except a few nice lies.”

“Is he lying to you, or just guarding sensitive information as he should?”

“Just tell me this,” I say. “My family. Do I need to move them?”

“I wouldn’t worry about them,” says Drake. “The people guarding you and yours are a solid crew. A downright frightening crew, if you want to know.”

“So what am I supposed to do?”

He turns serious. “You have a job. I’d suggest you pour every drop of sweat into that team of yours—not standing here talking to a man who can’t say much about certain matters.”

Draw a small X in the “Salute” box.