Page 121 (1/2)

Finally, the twist The reason behind all these innuendos and games

“Is that an accusation?” Cassius asks warily

“Oh yes, oodman”

“That’s why you went back into the Vindabona…” I say to Seraphina “But you didn’t bring anything back with you”

“I brought your razor,” she says

My heart sinks in ht into their trap They’ve been toying with us, with orydaist

“And where is your razor?” Dido asks “We’re dying to know”

“It was lost,” I say

“Our hull was punctured and the razor pushed into space before the cellular armor could close the breach,” Cassius explains

“Is that so…Regulus?” Dido leans back “The fish has left a foul taste in my mouth I think it is time for dessert” She motions to the servants and the door to the roo a load between them, which they set in the center of the table

It is our safe

“THE SAFE WAS WELL HIDDEN,” Dido says “But of course our h Fortunately, the k

rypteia who discovered it was one of mine”

“If you are so thorough, then you knohat sort of safe that is,” I reply before Cassius can speak The safe s, but it also is our only leverage It can’t be lost “It is a halcon-7 It has four inches of rolled steel with an analog tuital mechanism, which makes it impervious to electronic incursion More irade plases embedded on the interior wall faces of the safe You drill, it will detonate at a terees Fahrenheit But of course you know that, or you would have already opened it”

“Indeed,” Dido says “Personally, I would very hter’s efforts not to have been spent in vain” She holds up a finger as I’m about to reply “And I would be wary if I were you at further insultingyour razor is not inside this safe I bear insults poorly” Then her lips slide into an enigain I aenerous friend”