Page 175 of Black Reign

“How much did she pay you?”

His eyes flick toward mine.

“Hundred quid.”

I almost laugh.

“For delivering a book?”

“She said not to ask questions.”

That sounds like her.

“Where did she approach you?”

“Near the station.”

“Which station?”

He tells me.

I could keep going.

Camera feeds.

Transit records.

Cashpoint surveillance.

Street angles.

I can already feel the hunt assembling itself.

Then I look at the boy.

Vesper chose him because he knows nothing.

No point frightening him.

“Thank you.”

He hesitates.

“That's it?”

“What else were you expecting?”

He looks at my suit.

Then the security man seated three tables away pretending not to exist.

“I dunno.”

I slide another hundred pounds across the table.

“If she contacts you again, call this number.”

I write one down.