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“A, corin “You know en, and now I’m about to finish that job with you I’hter after the protoain: Was it worth it?”
Mao didn’t answer
“A dead daughter, a cohtered, a solar systeain Was it worth it?”
“Why are you here?” Mao finally asked He looked smaller when he said it He wouldn’t ot his and I’m the man who killed your pet admiral I just feel like there’s this wonderful syet yours”
“Antony Dresden,” Mao said, “was shot in the head three times execution style Is that what passes for justice with you?”
Holden laughed “Oh, I doubt Chrisjen Avasarala is going to shoot you in the face Do you think what’s co will be better?”
Mao didn’t reply, and Holden looked at the MP and gestured toward the conference room door They almost looked disappointed as they pushed Mao into the roo out here, sir, if you need us,” the larger of the two MPs said They took up flanking positions next to the door
Holden went into the conference roo else to Mao A fewon her hand terive a fk whose birthday it is, youis over or I’ll have your nuts as paperweights” She paused as the person on the other end said soo fast, because I have a feelingto you”
She sank into a chair directly across the table froe him at all He suspected that the record would never reflect his presence in the room Avasarala put her terminal on the tabletop and leaned back in her chair She didn’t speak for several tense seconds When she did, it was to Holden She still didn’t look at hi ood I wanted to ask you about a longer-term contract It would be civilian, of course, but—”
Mao cleared his throat Avasarala sht with you”
“I’ve already got a contract,” Holden said “We’re escorting the first reconstruction flotilla to Ganyet another escort gig froet stopped by pirates along the way”
“You’re sure?”
Mao’s face hite with huotten done working for a government,” Holden said “I didn’t wear it well”
“Oh please You worked for the OPA That’s not a governby scruo to the potty?”
“This is beneath you,” Mao said “I didn’t come here to be insulted”
Avasarala’s smile was incandescent