“And you know this how?”
“Spectrographic analysis. Chemical residue in the interior lining.” She pulled a scanner from her belt and ran it over the case’s exterior. “The containment field is adequate, but I’ve recommended vault storage. Some collectors don’t appreciate the liability of displaying functional weapons in public spaces.”
She understood exactly how dangerous these objects were. And how to use them. She was letting me know it.
“You have access to the vault,” I said.
“When necessary.” Her scanner beeped. She frowned at the reading, her focus already drifting to the next item. “Inventory management requires periodic verification. Can’t authenticate pieces I can’t examine.”
“Convenient.”
“Practical.” She stopped abruptly. Flinx positioned himself more firmly between us, a low electronic growl emanating from his chest. “Do you actually want to purchase anything, Mr. Korven, or are you here to assess Senator Tarsus’s security protocols?”
There it was. The direct challenge.
I could deflect. Maintain the cover story. Keep playing the wealthy collector.
Or I could respect her intelligence and see where honesty took me.
“I’m interested in acquiring pieces beyond what’s available at public auction,” I said carefully. “Does the senator ever allow private viewings of vault-level acquisitions?”
Her expression didn’t change, but she tensed.
“No.”
“Never?”
“Not for Vinduthi collectors.” She tucked her scanner back into her belt. “Senator Tarsus is very particular about that.”
“Why?”
“You’d have to ask him.” But her tone said she didn’t care.
But I knew exactly why.
Tarsus knew about the Sovereign’s murder. Knew about the vault seizures. Knew enough to be paranoid about anyone from the Hand getting close to his collection.
“I see,” I said. “That’s unfortunate.”
“That’s reality.” She walked past me, heading toward the museum’s exit. Flinx stayed close to her side, his glowing eyes never leaving me. “The pieces in the auction later this month are all excellent acquisitions. I’m sure you’ll find something suitable for your collection.”
Subject changed. Boundaries established. She’d given me exactly one warning.
I followed her. She stopped at the museum entrance. “Senator Tarsus values my expertise. I imagine he’d be disappointed if I couldn’t provide you with a comprehensive assessment of the pieces available.”
“And did you? Provide a comprehensive assessment?”
“I provided exactly what you needed to know.” She met my eyes directly for the first time since we’d started. “I’ve sent the complete catalog to your tablet, if you have further questions. I suggest you review it carefully.”
“I will.”
“Good.” She adjusted her grip on her slate. Flinx’s growl intensified. “And Mr. Korven? Valyria has very strict security protocols. I’d recommend respecting them.”
A warning. Clear as crystal.
Unfortunately, warnings always made me more curious.
CARYS
