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Bookshelves, a desk and a scattering of comfortable armchairs led me to believe that the room was used as a study The woman who had let us in sat behind the desk Odd s around the top graced each side Other strange and gleaed on shelves and tabletops So These spun in the air stirred by our passage

The sharp-nosed wo and I stood before her desk Most of her ruby hair was confined in a bun, but s free

"The food taster," she said with a satisfied curl to her lip "I kneas only a matter of time before I had you in my employ"

"Who are you?" My bluntness inforames

"You can call me Captain Star"

I looked at her innkeeper’s uniform

"I’ explained hoork?"

"Yes"

"Good This will be a siossip or hearsay And don’t inquire about reed?"

"Agreed" Since I wanted to gain her trust, I wasn’t about to cause any trouble, at least not yet

"Good What do you got?" With her nose leading the way, she leaned forward in her chair

"The Coed his successor," I said

Star’s body stilled as she absorbed this tidbit I glanced at Margg, who looked shocked and annoyed that I had such interesting news

"How do you know?" Star asked

"I overheard the Co"

"Ah, yes Valek" Star tilted her nose atin his apartment?"

"None of your business," I said with a firm tone

"So why should I trust you?"