Page 489 of Black Reign

“Doesn't matter.”

“It matters now.”

“No.”

“Preston.”

“Xavier.”

They sound disturbingly alike.

I lean against the desk.

“Is she pretty?”

Xavier turns toward me.

“What?”

“What? It matters.”

“No, it doesn't.”

Preston answers anyway.

“Yes.”

Interesting.

“Very?”

“Sabine.”

I wave Xavier away.

“I'm gathering intelligence.”

Pierre nods approvingly.

“Exactly.”

Xavier points toward both of us.

“No.”

I smile.

“What's her name, Preston?”

“Not telling.”

“Why?”

“Because Blackwell will run a background check.”

“I absolutely will,” Xavier says.

“See?”