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“I can’t ignore an opportunity”

“We have had a long-standing agreeains We are allies in many ways”

He raised his eyebrows “We are We have history”

“I also expect that to al”

“They are extending pearl activity”

I scoffed “Pearls? That’s what this is about? You want access to our oyster reefs”

He nodded “You know the situation in the islands They’ve been over-harvested It’s going to take decades to reclai to science, but I don’t know that we have that kind of time We’re known for our pearls”

I scratched the back ofthe Bostiques into our waters would require heavy regulation I’d need to speak to our own environmental team Consult our conservationists I wouldn’t destroy Galona just to keep a shipping contract

Just then the service entry opened and a waiter appeared with a cart of food He rolled toward us, presenting the trays

Our discussion paused while the food was laid out in front of us, along with a bottle of Spanish wine I knew the chef had paired it with the meal

Paul grinned “Please, let’s eat”

Fuck I was never getting out of here

The lights in the first floor rooms were dim by the time the prime minister left for his hotel The ballroom doors were locked The library was dark I walked to the residence elevator

There was a quick salute froe

I turned on the light as soon as I arrived in the residence I didn’t expect it to be quiet I didn’t expect it to be empty