Viv couldn’t stop herself from snorting. “You agreed to meet me out ofspite.”
She thought she caught a twinkle in the Madrigal’s eye. “Let me be straightforward. At my advanced age, I’ve found that the fast cut bleeds less.”
That wasn’t exactly Viv’s experience, but she understood the sentiment. If this woman wanted directness, she’d oblige. “What do you want to know?”
“You have a Scalvert’s Stone?”
“I do.”
“Somewhere on the premises, I imagine?”
“Yes.”
The woman nodded appreciatively. “I’ve read a few of the verses and myths. Fennus supplied some, as you’ve guessed. But my own resources are extensive.”
“You couldtakeit from me.” Viv had a twist of nausea but also a wild feeling of boldness. Almost like the old days.
“I could,” agreed the Madrigal. She looked sharply at Viv. “Would it do me any good?”
Viv thought about that for a moment. “Hard to say. Based on what I know, location matters. And I’m not entirely sure it works.”
“My dear, there was a derelict livery at that address, ruined by an impotent moron with a drinking problem, and in a few months you—a woman who deals mostly in blood—have rebuilt it into a successful business that is gathering attention across Thune. Let’s not be coy.”
“I guess I’ve seen enough coincidences that I find it easy to doubt. But you’re probably right.”
“I’m rarely wrong. It’s been known to happen, but I don’t like to let on.”
“So. Are you planning to take it from me?”
The Madrigal put her crocheting in her lap and stared hard at Viv. “No.”
“Can I ask why not?”
“Because the information available is open to interpretation. I’m not convinced I’d benefit.”
Viv frowned thoughtfully.
The Madrigal continued, “Now, about those monthly dues.”
Viv took a deep breath. “Begging your pardon, ma’am. But I’d rather not pay.”
The Madrigal resumed her crocheting. “You know, you and I aren’t so different.” A side of her mouth quirked up. “Well, you’re certainly taller,” she said drily. “But we’ve both journeyed between extremes of expectation. I’ve simply traveled in the opposite direction. I feel a certain kinship with that sort of ambition.”
Viv remained respectfully silent until the Madrigal continued.
“There are precedents to maintain, however. Now, I have a proposal for you.”
“I’m listening.”
After the Madrigal made her offer, Viv smiled, agreed, and reached out to shake her hand.
19
“AScalvert’sStone?” asked Tandri, returning Viv’s keys.
They sat across from one another at the big table the following morning, long before Thimble was due. Tandri had unlocked the door and slipped inside in the wee hours, not that Viv had been asleep. As promised, she was recounting the meeting, and she omitted nothing. “Ever heard of them?”
“I haven’t. I mean, I suppose I know what a scalvert is. Mostly from children’s stories.”
