I snatched the note, my heart hammering a chaotic rhythm against my ribs.
The answer you seek will be at the old, ruined chapel outside the south gate in three days. Come alone.
It was a summons, not information. The Broker was playing a complicated, dangerous game.
I gave the clerk a tight, almost panicked nod, turned, and slipped out of the office of Black Eye.
Getting back to The Vanya Emporium was a study in pure adrenaline. I burst into Rosalie's sightline, pulling Iris away from the glistening display of jewelry.
"I have the thing! I need to go! Now!" I gasped, forcing tears to my eyes as Iris shrieked.
Rosalie immediately saw my genuine distress, mistaking it for fright over the encounter with the supposed Broker. She played her part flawlessly, covering my escape while Iris, flustered and relieved to see me, herded me toward the departing cart.
