“What if he doesn’t have an appointment between now and then?”
“You’ll just have to invite him and make sure he shows up… I’m sure you can make it happen, forMud Pie’ssake.”
“I want to see her.”
“No.”
“How do I know she actually is safe? How do I even know you have her?”
“I believe the term in your language is faith? You can have faith that I will hurt her if you do not do this.” He hands me a large, empty vial. “If you attempt to tell Phantom what I’ve asked of you, or try anything else that isn’t in the sole effort of getting me what I want,Mud Piewill pay the price.”
He goes to the door, holding it open. “It will be a pleasure doing business with you.”
I don’t know where he’s keeping her. I don’t have any options.
Standing, I walk out the door, holding that vial tight, and I go straight to Phantom’s, avoiding everyone I can.
But of course…
“Where are you going?” Phantom asks as soon as I’ve made it into the private halls.
CHAPTER 4
“It’s not like you to come in through the front entrance,” they say, not blocking my path, but also not giving me enough space to freely walk past.
“It was quicker, and I’m just popping in for something.”
“What did the Trulavian want?”
My skin goes cold, and I hold myself as still as possible so I don’t flinch, and when I turn back to them, I don’t answer the question. Instead, I ask… “Are you spying on me?”
“No. But when someone grabs one of my employees before they can come in through the door they normally do… I have questions.”
“We had an argument about fish.”
“Fish?”
“Yes. We met at the aquarium a while ago, and he was determined to prove that Trulavian fish are better.”
“Trulavian fish are illegal on this station. If he had any, you need to let the station administrator know.”
“He didn’t. And I still don’t think they’re better.”
I wonder if they know I’m lying. It feels like something they should be able to tell, but I don’t actually know.
“Anything else?” I ask, and when they don’t respond after a few moments, I say, “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Jade?”
I look back at them and wait. “I don’t know why you’re lying to me and I won’t ask again, as long as you promise you’re safe.”
“I promise.” As long as they don’t make me promise Anne’s safe, it isn’t a lie.
A thought hits me. “Hey. Do any other Sovians come to the booth?”
“Yes, one.”
“When is he scheduled?”
