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"Because Valek would kill me if he kneas here You know it as well as I do How much is my information worth?"

Star opened a black velvet purse and pulled out one gold coin She tossed the coin toI snatched it fro a wince The cuts on my hands started to throb

"Your fifteen percent" She sent one silver and one copper coin flying at Margg, who knew Star’s ways, and caught the else?" Star askedfor "

Dis out of the house and down the street Just as she guided me into a dark alley, Valek appeared out of the shadows Before I could wonder why, he pulled h a doorway and into a small room

I was surprised and confused by his sudden arrival; I had thought he would wait a while before arresting Margg She had followed rin on her round face It was the closest expression to pleasure that I had ever seen from her, and the opposite of what I had anticipated when she was caught as the leak I tiltedto proht, Valek She sold the Coed

"Actually, Yelena ca to expose you, " Valek said to Margg

Her gloating grin disappeared "Why didn’t you tell ’s not the leak?" I asked, still confused

"No Margg works forStar so to find out who her other clients are Star’s been pestering Margg to get you involved, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to test your loyalty"

A co of Valek’s ill temper snapped into my mind He had expected me to betray him and the Commander How could he have believed that? I wondered Didn’t he know er, disappointment and relief warred in my heart I was unable to propel any words past eon where she belongs," Margg co around Still a threat" Annoyed, she poked er

I moved In a heartbeat I twisted her arh, forcing her to bend forward

"I ah clenched teeth "I’ve proved es in the dust No s Or the next tirip

She sturound in a heap Pinkfaced, she lurched to her feet As she opened her lance

"Well said, Yelena Margg, you’re dis’s mouth snapped closed as she spun on her heel and left the room

"She’s not friendly," I said

"No That is precisely why I like her" He studied the door for ayou’re not going to like, but I think it’s important that you know"

"Oh yeah? Like I enjoyed your test of faith?" Sarcasm rendered my voice sharp

"I warned you that I tested the food taster from time to time"