41 Stardus (2/2)

”That may be true Milord. However dealing with the suppliers would impact the traffickers significantly and we're in a unique position to deal a great blow to your enemies.” Petrov pulled a sheet of paper from his coat, eyes glittering in excitement.

”That annoying woman from House Demidov you've arrested?” Nikolai blurted out as he read the woman's profile.

”You've heard of her.” Petrov coughed gently, turning to mark a few areas on the map. ”She's let slip these locations were important to her activities during our… investigation. That includes some of her associates. Most of whom congregate at a very specific place for their meetings.” He circled a location on the map with a flourish and Elya gasped.

”The Rose Building?” Her face paled at the news and she snatched the profile from his hand, brow furrowed as she scrutinised the information.

”Exactly.” Petrov hissed. ”With what we know of the Black Hand's activities, this gives us the perfect excuse to act against them and give House Demidov a swift punch along the way.”

”The Demidov's aren't my enemy.” Nikolai remarked airily, clenching his hand at the opportunity this presented. His companions shot him a disgusted look, not willing to believe he could be that naïve. Even Jarek was staring at him in confusion. ”Well, not overtly anyway.” Weakening the Demidov's position while he was trying to get a grip on new trade routes in the west was ideal but could lead to armed conflict if they took it as a blemish on their honour.

”It is your prerogative to make a choice Milord, but it would be foolish not to cut into their activities if we have the chance.” Petrov smiled weakly, the expression making him appear a washed out figure of a person.

”Don't make a move yet Nikolai.” Elya slammed the profile onto the table. ”There's something suspicious about all of this. Give me ten days to check some things.”

”Milord, we have to move quickly.” Petrov warned. ”Give them too longand they'll cut off all ties to our prisoners and shift to alternate methods.”

”Nikolai, how can a woman incompetent enough to be caughton the streets with cartloads of undisguised Stardust have access to so much information on the inner workings of this operation?” Elya pleaded.

Facing two glares, Nikolai sighed. Elya's ties to the Rose Building were ominous, especially with these new revelations but Nikolai was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Her combat with the Snake gave her that much and if Nikolai was honest, he couldn't believe she'd betray him. Petrov's investigations while rigorous were laden with the risk of false information since the guard itself was under suspicion. Nonetheless, they both had valid arguments but unfortunately for both of them he had another card up his sleeve.

”Four days.” He said raising a hand to forestall their arguments. ”You're both right, but I have alternate methods which could sift through the lies. Until then Elya, feel free to investigate whatever you want and Petrov get preliminary plans ready to move against these Stardust dealers. I'd rather leave them alone. The town can't afford more conflict but this could all be connected.”

Disgruntled with the compromise, Elya and Petrov strode from the room, determined to get to the bottom of things. Elya squeezed his arm in passing and shot him a dark glare.

A confusing message. Was she angry that he'd cut her requested time or did she want to stay near him and was sad she had to leave?

Shaking his head Nikolai took a final look at the map. The areas damaged in the previous battle were marked clearly and only Nikolai knew how much of a drain it was on his coffers. He didn't have time to chase after drug lords, but if he left it alone and it became a bigger problem later, he'd only have himself to blame.

Sighing, he went to find Aunt Natalia.

A Truth Seer would help in getting to the bottom of things.

But first he needed to boil some eggs.

Her payment was due.