Matthias was relentless. “Yet you make payments on behalf of a Hata-yuiqueru like Aniolo-jat.”
“It is as I told you. Business is business. Among other things, heesa, credit buys goodwill.”
She grunted, folding her hands in front of her. “In my language we would call it protection money, but so be it. You have no idea why Aniolo-jat wanted you to transfer large sums to the human Case?”
“No, Administrator. If you want to know, I think you must have to ask the Hata-yuiqueru yourself. We did what we did because we felt it good business.” He swallowed. “Necessary business.”
“You did it because you felt you had no choice. Did Aniolo-jat or some of his minions threaten you or your company?” The senior did not reply. “No matter. That’s between his people and yours. You can go.”
“Wistha?” Surprised by yet another unexpected turn in the interrogation, Geladu-tiv’s ears flicked sharply in her direction.
“Heesa.” She waved a hand indifferently. “Yes, go on; go. You are free to leave.”
“I not—I am not under restraint?”
“You can stay if you want to,” she told him crisply.
He left in such a hurry that he forgot to tongue her good-bye. It was just as well. She was in no mood to deal with a wet Sakuntala tongue wrapping around her face.
“You two. You can go outside, but stay in the building. I may need you later.”
The two peaceforcers flashed simultaneous salutes. They had been sworn to secrecy concerning whatever took place in the administrator’s office. Now they departed, themselves unsure of the significance of what they had just witnessed.