As Sokolov droned on about the importance of political change in democracies, Jehan saw Milli enter the room in a flurry of green and red, her auburn hair loose and windswept.

That was strange. He hadn’t noticed her leave.

She approached them with a forced smile and nodded perfunctorily at Sokolov. “I’ll have to steal Mr. Fasih, I’m afraid. This is my favorite song, you see.” She glanced vaguely over at the dance floor. “And I absolutely must request a dance with the new prime minister of Naijan.”

After Jehan had made elaborate apologies to Sokolov and his friends, she managed to drag him onto the dance floor. Soon, they fell into step, the music relaxing and comfortable.

Milli looked stressed and unhappy. Jehan was just thoroughly confused.

“You know,” he said, as they moved in time with the music. “I narrowly escaped being murdered by my bodyguard yesterday. I’d rather not piss him off again by hitting on his sister’s girlfriend. I’ve a very strong feeling I won’t survive his wrath this time around.”

Milli colored. “I’m-I’m not her girlfriend!” She shook her head and continued. “And-and you shouldn’t hold what happened at the warehouse against Abhijat. He was manipulated. I know Grigori, he’s good at that sort of thing. At-at playing people against each other.” She looked away, breathing hard. “Taking advantage of their weaknesses, their fears and insecurities.”

“Your loyalty to Rito is heartwarming,” Jehan chuckled. “And believe me, after the way I’ve treated them, I’ve no business holding anything against any of the Shians. If Abhijat had put a bullet in my skull, I’m sure I would’ve deserved it. Richly.

“Still, the fact remains that I like having a bullet-free skull. And the sooner you tell me whatever it is you want to say, the longer I can keep it that way.”

“I…you see, my mother has some friends over at the Central Bank–”

“By friends, I take it you mean spies.”

Milli pursed her lips, then nodded. “Well, uh, one of them called me and…”

“And?” Jehan prompted mildly, focusing on their footwork, careful not to look her in the eyes or raise his voice. She looked scared to death already.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“And, well, Rinisa was at the bank. He said he saw her enter the building in a rush, looking disgruntled and harried. She went directly into the manager’s office. Less than a quarter of an hour later, she left with a small backpack she hadn’t had when she arrived.” The words tumbled out in a barrage, tripping over each other.

“And?” Jehan prompted, coaxing. “Did he see which way she was headed?”

Milli nodded. “He said...” she swallowed. Tried again. “He said she drove off towards the airport.”

Jehan bit back the stream of expletives that sprung to his lips. “She’s making a run for it.”

“And taking Grigori’s stock of Amven with her.” Milli’s voice was shaking, her face white.

Jehan frowned. “You’re sure that’s what it was? She could’ve just taken some money or–”

Milli shook her head. “There’ve been rumors, for a long time now, that Grigori was stockpiling some kind of drug in various vaults at the Central Bank. That’s why Mamma had her people working there in the first place. To keep an eye on things and report on Grigori’s activities.”

“Then it’s possible Rinisa had access to that stockpile. And now that the ship is sinking–” He spun Milli around as the music picked up, making her squeal. “She’s making her escape with the treasure, leaving her ‘beloved Grigori’ to drown in the aftermath.

“I wanted to scare her into doing something stupid, but even I hadn’t expected she’d go this far.”

“Well, if–if that’s that case,” Milli panted, blushing. “Then we need to go after her. Don’t we?”

“Of course we do.” Jehan bit his lip. “But it can’t be us, can it? I can’t very well leave this party midway, not for anything less than a seizure. And it’d look pretty odd if you or Madam Ivanovna did, either.”

“I-I’m sure my mother could send some of her guards to follow Rinisa–”

Jehan shook his head. “No. No, that’s not an option. For one thing, your mother’s guards won’t have the authority to stop Rinisa if she decides to board a plane and get the hell out of this country, preferably to someplace that doesn’t extradite to either Maralana or Naijan. That’s what I’d do if I were in her place.”

“But–”

“And,” Jehan cut her off, holding up a hand. “Rinisa is a master at manipulation. We need someone completely trustworthy. Someone who won’t be swayed by money, sex, or anything else.” He smiled slowly. “Someone who has a personal axe to grind with her, a reason to hate her that supersedes any temptation she might throw at him.”

They turned as one to look at Abhijat, who was still standing in a shadowy corner near the back of the room, scowling at the world at large.

The song ended, and Jehan escorted Milli to the bar, signaling for the bartender to give her a drink. “Don’t leave the venue, okay? No matter what. All hell’s going to break loose tonight, and I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire. Rito will have my head if you get yourself killed.”

Milli smiled faintly. “I’ll be safe. I promise.”

Jehan nodded. He braced himself with a deep breath before stealing a glance at Abhijat over his shoulder. “Now wish me luck.”