"And we believe we might come to a mutually beneficial arrangement in the use of it," John continues, smooth over the words.

Flint is a presence at his back, at the edge of his peripheral vision as they are positioned now. Here as he does in all places, all worlds, he burns coal-bright in John's awareness. The instinct to turn by degrees as he speaks is tempered by the necessity of keeping all his attention on this woman, shade though she might be.

"Let us tell you how we could manage such an arrangement," comes as John straightens in his chair, leans forward. Observes the narrowing of Madame Kask's eyes as interest kindles there.

She is human. She cares for profit. Flint and Silver have exploited these minor opportunities before, to great effect.