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‘Well, the whole point was to speak with you’ Brada shut behind her ‘As you said so at each other Especially in an e a polite interest in the nearest bookcase, ostensibly not part of the conversation, even though Irene knew he’d be listening

‘Fair enough,’ Irene agreed ‘So why did you want to speak withher words ‘We are a the very few Librarians who’ve actuallythose fortunate few survivors, yes,’ Irene said

‘Has he tried to co in the air I’ve already told Coppelia – it’s not as if there’s anything treasonous about it, Irene thought There’s no reason to be asha it out loud took an effort ‘Yes,’ she finally , and it was definitely him You?’

‘No,’ Bradamant said She sounded more irritated about it than thankful ‘Probably because I’nment? I assumed that all the able-bodied--’

‘Kostchei’s keeping me here’ Bradamant folded her arency pickups’

Saying ‘Not because of what happened during your last assignht ran through Irene’s mind, and she hastily suppressed it before it could show on her face ‘I suppose it makes sense,’ she said neutrally

‘It doesn’tAlberich down,’ Bradae It’d beleave to argue about it being in any way useful for Irene to get herself killed,’ Kai coainst the bookcase

‘Oh, you could be there too – he could co to keep you out of it I’ave him a polished smile, discreet and a little sly ‘And I’ Alberich out of the way’

‘Does everyone know about my family?’ Kai muttered

‘Not everyone,’ Bradaainst chaos e last confronted Alberich, so you’re froons could do that’ She turned back to Irene, before Kai could agree or disagree ‘So what do you think?’

‘Can we take this by stages?’ Irene asked The basic idea of let’s all trap Alberich sounded good in itself, but the specificity of let’s go and play bait for an insane murderer left her less enthusiastic ‘Have you run this past Kostchei yet?’

‘No,’ Bradaht I’d discuss it with you first’