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"Without ongoing negotiations," I said, "there’s no warning when they ht arrive"

"Correct"

"Unless your h-placed one, who sent him information as often as possible As often as was safe

"I have received no word I s about the silence: our association is at an end because of Santana; htened security; ht and is now dead I have heard froo are prisoned or deceased, simply due to an ancient acquaintance; in one case it was a relationship that ended long ago, in enht and shackled quickly No gaaining chip"

I glanced at Eli, my reaction evident in my expression "Politics They always suck," ured this could be the nail in the coffin of my desire to behead the Son of Darkness But I was still taking his heart "Fine But I can’t defeat Santana without help" Before Leo could reply I asked, "What have you learned about Santana while searching HQ? The Council Chambers," I aie in a safe, though where the safe was placed after the fire that destroyed my hoe units off pre You will be contacted when it is discovered It was ht prove helpful in your search Meanwhile, another safe of sin, purchased at the same tiht assist you in searching for sleeping lairs" Leo opened a desk drawer and handedof keys and a scrap of paper with numbers on it "This will open the safe"

"We’ll head there now" I started to stand and Leo lifted a hand

"Jane" I stopped "The Son of Darkness is strong Far stronger than any Mithran or Naturaleza you have yet encountered I offer you th and faster healing" He extended his left hand, the wrist exposed

I had no idea what to say No as I drinking Leo’s blood unless I was dying and couldn’t shift My eyes went to Eli, who said, "We decline for the er or injured, ill reenerosity offered by the Master of the City of New Orleans"

I nearly fell off the low stool in shock at Eli’s words Diplouilty second" partner had just been diplomatic Leo took it as his due "You racious tone that the old royals used "You are disenuine smile, the kind he reserves for his honeybunch "Thanks, boss," he said I stood and we left the rooh vaet aith unruly behavior all the time This is his battle I’m just the hired hand And my master will never come out of my mouth"

As we entered the elevator, Eli asked, "Where are we going?"

"Right now for coffee Then to sub-four to check the safe Leo mentioned Also, since this conspiracy to free Santana keeps widening, I want to take a look again at Adrianna’s rooain at her roo"

"You’re going to drink coffee?"