“We have, as you put it, a secret weapon,” she said. “But I was thinking that this is a personal matter for you, not a state matter-and that you might not want any of the others involved. Also, I can provide a service that will not be traceable.”
Bag of worms time again. Was she implying that she thought I did not trust all of the others here-or that I should not? What did she know that I didn’t? Or was she just, guessing, based on Amber’s history of intrigue within the family? Or was she intentionally trying to stir up a generational conflict? Would that suit Begma’s purpose in some fashion? Or… Was she guessing that such a situation existed and offering to remove a family member for me? And if so, did she think I’d be stupid enough to get someone else to do the job? Or even to discuss such a notion and thereby give Begma a shot at sufficient evidence to have some kind of hold over me? Or…
I drew back from the view. It pleased me that my thought processes were finally working properly for the company my family keeps. (Both my families, actually.) It had taken me a long while to get the hang of it. It felt good.
A simple refusal would foreclose all of the above. But, on the other hand, if I were to string her along a bit, she might prove a tantalizing source of information.
So, “Would you go after anyone I would name?” I said. “Anyone?”
She studied my face very carefully. Then, “Yes,” she answered.
“You must excuse me again,” I responded, “but doing it for such an intangible as my good will causes me to wonder about your good faith.”
Her face reddened. Whether it was a simple blush or anger I could not be certain, because she looked away immediately. This didn’t bother me, though, because I was certain it was a buyer’s market.
I returned my attention to my food and was able to put away several mouthfuls before she was back again. “Does this mean you won’t be stopping by tonight?” she asked.
“I can’t,” I said. “I am going to be completely occupied.”
“I can believe you are very busy,” she said. “But does that mean we will not be able to talk at all?”
“It depends entirely on how things break,” I said. “I have an awful lot going on just now, and I may be leaving town soon.”
She started slightly. I was certain she considered asking me where I was going, but thought better of it.
Then, “This is awkward,” she said. “Have you refused my offer?”
“Is the deal only good for this evening?” I asked.
“No, but it was my understanding you were in some peril. The sooner you move against your enemy, the sooner your sleep is untroubled.”
“You feel I am in danger here in Amber?”
She hesitated a moment, then said, “No one is safe, anywhere, from an enemy of sufficient determination and skill.”
“Do you feel the threat to be a local one?” I inquired.
“I asked you to name the party,” she stated. “You are in the best position to know.”
I drew back immediately. It was too simple an entrapment, and obviously she’d already smelled it.
“You’ve given me much to think about,” I answered, and I returned to my food.
After a time, I saw that Bill was looking at me as if he wanted to say something. I gave him a minuscule shake of my head, which he seemed to understand.
“Breakfast, then?” I heard her say. “This trip you spoke of could present a time of vulnerability. It would be good to settle this before you depart.”
“Nayda,” I said, as soon as I had swallowed, “I would like to be clear on the matter of my benefactors. If I were to discuss this with your father-“
“No!” she interrupted. “He knows nothing about it!”
“Thank you. You must admit my curiosity as to the level at which this plan originates.”
“There is no need to look any further,” she stated. “It is entirely my idea.”
“Same of your earlier statements cause me to infer that you have special connections within the Begman intelligence community.”