“I hope that remains the case,” she told him, fingers lacing around the pommel of her small knife where it rested in its scabbard beneath the hem of her shirt. “You have the feel of the place. And, having served as a second to Kalico Aguila, you are as intimate with the reality of Donovan as anyone in The Corporation.”

He chuckled. “It will take Turalon an extra week—just to accelerate the additional mass of the precious metals—before it can reach position where it can invert symmetry. Doesn’t matter that Turalon is smaller, her cargo will be worth more than Turalon and Ashanti’s previous cargoes combined.”

He glanced sidelong at her from behind the hood. His black eyes might have been holes in shadow. “They will not act to discipline you for Soukup’s death. At least, not seriously. Your actions were understandable. Demanded by honor. Not to mention that that fool Soukup left a Taglioni, of all people, to die. My report will ensure Suharto support for your acquittal should any charges be levied against you.” A pause. “And, well, perhaps given your known skills, any of the families that might consider pursuing sanctions on Soukup’s part will be deterred.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” They had reached the gate, the light rain falling, silvering the wires in the chain link. The guard, in full armor, was one of the new marines. The man probably thankful that he’d be shipping up to Turalon in the morning.

Falise led Cinque down the narrow gap between the back of the warehouse and the perimeter fence. Out of hearing of the guard, she indicated the silver shuttle gleaming at the edge of the illumination. “I want you to be on that shuttle tomorrow.”

Cinque, always the consummate opponent, studied her from behind the dark hood. Falise tightened her grip on the knife’s handle, ready to strike.

“I assume you have a reason for making such an absurd demand?”

“I do. The Taglioni family supports Kalico Aguila. And, Cinque, as well as I know you, the day will come when you just won’t be able to help yourself. Kalico will be found dead, probably in some back alley, and you’ll be forced to remind people that Soukup appointed you interim Supervisor.”

“And should such an unfortunate tragedy occur? I give you my word that it would not affect Taglioni interests. I have no problem with your house making as much out of this opportunity as the Suhartos. Neither you, nor the Taglionis, have any obligation or loyalty to Kalico Aguila.”

“The rest of us do,” a voice said from the darkness.

Falise watched Cinque turn on cat feet, poised, balanced. In a fraction of a second he could strike.