Page 182 of Tracked and Taken

“That little human female marked him at nine seconds at Florence’s desk.”

“She did.”

“In ink.”

“In ink.”

“We should call Florence.”

He picks up the comm.

“JINX. Open Florence.”

“Opening, Tael.”

A click.

“Florence.”

“Vosk.”

“You are going to want to put the kettle on.”

“I am, lovey, already making tea for an emergency intake. The big kettle has been on since 2245.”

“You are going to need a second kettle. Charlie made the first claim on Thane this afternoon at your desk.”

Silence.

Long.

“Vosk.”

“Yes, Florence.”

“Define the first claim.”

“Korrhai law. Female mark-initiated. His hands are stained ink blue, Florence.”

A pause.

“I am going to need the second kettle.”

“Yes, Florence.”

“And Petra.”

“Yes.”

“And the small biscuits I keep for a midnight operational catastrophe.”

“Yes, Florence.”

“Bring your Natalie.”

“My mate is putting on her boots.”

I am, in fact, putting on my boots.