“Shit! My reports on Reardon indicated that might be a problem, but I was hoping it could be avoided if he showed up just before the race as usual.”

“Hoping?” Gilroy cursed low and vehemently. “Bullshit. You should have been prepared for it. He’s here, and Sasha is having to take care of it herself. I can’t do a damn thing about it.”

“Except you’re already planning on how you can,” Korgan said grimly. “And you could blow everything to hell and get her killed if you’re that reckless. How is she handling it?”

“How do you think? Like she always does. Like she did when she was facing Masenak in that prison encampment. Pure guts and endurance. But it’s different this time. I could see it when she ran into the stable tonight. She was scared and shaking and trying not to show it. But she was talking too fast and she mentioned Jeanne Palsan. She saw too much in Masenak’s camp, and she was always in danger herself.” He suddenly burst out, “Dammit, how much does she have to take?”

“More than she should. We all know that. The question is, How long do we have before Reardon’s threat becomes reality.” He paused. “Or has it already reached that point?”

“No. Masenak and Reardon are involved with Chaos and they may be using Sasha as a chess piece. But there’s no telling when one of them might declare checkmate before that. You can’t expect me to sit here and let that happen. I won’t do it, Korgan.”

“I’m not asking, I’m just telling you that you have to cool down and let me see what I can do to change the scenario. Reardon screwed us by showing up early. He had time to assess the situation and start negotiating. Now he’s ready to fold his tents and leave with the spoils.” He was silent, thinking. “All Masenak’s guests have arrived at the castle now, is that right? How many?”

“Fifty or sixty. Davidow and the housekeepers are going crazy.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think? When they come, it’s nonstop turmoil in the castle and stables. Masenak’s choice of party friends are generally petty criminals and whores who are here to curry favor and provide an enthusiastic audience. In return they’re allowed to have the run of the place.”

“Good to know.” He was quiet again. “Very disruptive on the day before the race. Anything could happen.”

“What?”

“I’ll let you know,” he said. “But the situation isn’t that bad. With Jed Novak on board with handling the attack from Samlir, and Vogel delivering those drones to him sometime tomorrow, it will cinch the preparations.”

“I don’t want promises. I want you to come through for her.”