AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Silhouette leans back, her green eyes flickering with a spark of intrigue. "The game has changed, indeed. What specifics are you looking for?"
My smile is long gone. "We're looking to solidify alliances, understand emerging power dynamics, and identify potential threats. We want to be strategic in our moves, and your insights could be the key."
Silhouette listens, her gaze focused, absorbing the nuances of our ambitions. "Information is power, and power is what everyone craves in this world. Let's talk terms." She leans forward, her green eyes reflecting a glint of shrewd calculation. "Information is a delicate currency," she says, her tone a measured cadence. "My network thrives on discretion, and the value of what I provide is directly proportional to the risks involved."
I nod in acknowledgment, respecting the unspoken rules of her trade. "We understand the delicacy of your work, Silhouette. What terms are you proposing?"
Silhouette leans back, her fingers lightly tapping against the mahogany table. "I'll provide you with actionable intelligence—insights into alliances, potential threats, and the ebb and flow of power in the underworld. In return, I expect reciprocal favors when the need arises."
Alex interjects, his tone measured. "Define 'reciprocal favors.' We need clarity on the extent of our commitments."
I suppress a smile. I had been thinking the same thing. “Reciprocal favors” is far too broad.
Her smile is cryptic, a subtle acknowledgment of the dance we're embarking on. "Reciprocal favors could range from facilitating discreet meetings, ensuring the safety of certain individuals, to influencing the narrative in subtle ways. The specifics will depend on the circumstances."
I weigh the implications. "And the frequency of exchanges? How often can we tap into your network?"
Silhouette doesn’t blink. "Once a fortnight. Regular enough to keep you informed, but infrequent enough to maintain discretion. The underworld's currents shift, and real-time information is a coveted commodity."
I glance at Alex, and he nods in agreement.
"Fortnightly it is,” I declare. “Now, about the nature of the information… how detailed can we expect your reports to be?"
"I'll provide you with detailed insights, but some information may be presented in a coded manner to protect my sources. You're paying not just for the data but also for the layers of secrecy that shroud it."
Discretion is necessary on all sides.
"Understood. We value the layers of secrecy that come with your expertise," I say smoothly. “I also value loyalty.”
Her lips barely curl at the corners. “You wish to know if I have another such arrangement already.”
“Do you?” I ask bluntly.
“As of now… no.”
“And will you?”
“I need to do what is in the best interests of me and my people.”
I lean forward. “How much would it take to have your information for us and us alone?”
“You couldn’t pay that much,” she protests. “I can’t be bought.”
“No?” I pull out my phone and slide it across the table.
Her name is Elena Morales, but she used to be Alanna Grayson. Alanna is her birth name. Elena Morales is another identity of hers, a layer of protection that she has beyond just her moniker.
Alanna has a sister named Ivory. I did some digging and learned that Ivory was diagnosed with cancer. She’s been in remission for two years, but she’s barely making enough to cover her accrued medical costs. Clearly, there’s no love between the two because Silhouette could’ve wiped it out.
There’s no need. I handled it.
Silhouette glances at the phone and does her best not to react, but I spy the slight widening of her eyes.
“I can let slip that Alanna handled the cost if you want to mend fences,” I murmur, “or I can leave it anonymous. Or I can say it was any number of people.”
“I don’t know?—”
“Please. Lies don’t become us.”
