Page 493 of Black Reign

Pierre shrugs.

“He doesn't know yet.”

Then he smiles.

“But he will.”

And runs from the room.

Silence.

I look at Xavier.

Xavier looks at the empty doorway.

“No.”

I smile.

“No what?”

“We are staying out of it.”

“Absolutely.”

“No searches.”

“Never.”

“No calls.”

“Agreed.”

“No asking Pierre.”

“Xavier, please. We have boundaries.”

He studies me.

I study him.

Three seconds.

Then I reach for my laptop.

Xavier catches my wrist.

“Vesper.”

“What?”

“No.”

“I was checking email.”

“Liar.”

“Strategist.”