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He stopped under an overhang between gaming tables, where he could see signs leading to a themed lounge. A detailed replica of the Taj Mahal formed the entrance. Written in neon script over the double doors was the word:KOLKATA.

Jon let out a snort.

He didn’t know geography all that well in this part of the world, but he knew the Taj Mahal for damned sure wasn’t in Kolkata. He supposed gamblers visiting Macau didn’t much care.

He started to worry when no one picked up right away.

Then there was a click, and a familiar voice rose in his ear.

“You should use your light,” Wreg said at once.

“I know.”

“You’re supposed to practice. Adhipan has the construct up now.”

“Hey, bossy guy… I know. You’re Allie’s teacher. Not mine.”

“Even so. The boss is going to chew me out if you don’t get better at this shit,ilyo.He’s already grumbled at me, saying I’m letting my dick get in the way of doing my job. He thinks I’m too lax with you?”

“I know, I know. I’m being… distracted,” Jon said, using the sub-vocal as he glanced at Maygar. At Wreg’s understanding chuckle, Jon bit his lip. “Have the others checked in? We just pulled six more here. 221, 451, 92, 110, 42 and 180, if I’m reading the light signatures correctly. Jorag and the others are bringing them out to the ferry now.”

“Confirmed. And yes, those are the right signatures,” Wreg assured him. “There are three more, according to Adhipan’s people. They’ve got two ID’d in upper-level rooms. The third is in a cantina or something… some kind of bar. Not far from you, actually.”

He sent Jon a snapshot with his light.

Receiving it, Jon glanced at the torches flickering on either side of the doorway leading into the Kolkata Lounge.

“Got it,” he said. “I’m right outside.”

He could feel a few humans in there now. More than just their target.

It didn’t feel like it would be a problem, though.

Wreg’s voice turned serious. “Hey, listen. Let Jorag, Yumi and the others get these. We just got word from Adhipan. You’re being pulled. He wants you and Maygar out of there.”

“What?” Jon looked away from the doors. “Why? What did we do?”

“You didn’t do anything, brother. Turns out, these Legion of Fire fucks got Maygar nailed on facial-rec. They know he’s Nenzi’s son. The boss wants both of you to head back to the ship.”

“Which ‘boss’ would that be?” Jon muttered, glancing at Maygar.

Maygar scowled back at him, obviously wondering who he was talking to.

“I only talked to Adhipan,” Wreg said. “But he’d just talked to Nenz and your sister, so it probably came from one of them.”

Jon nodded, still frowning in Maygar’s direction. “Okay.” He felt his mouth harden. “What about you? You okay? It took you a while to answer?”

“I’m fine, brother,” Wreg assured him. “Just coordinating logistics for Adhipan. I swear he gave me this job just to annoy me.”

Jon felt himself relax. “Oh. Okay.”

Glancing at Maygar, who scowled at him, Jon rolled his eyes. Switching to regular vocals, he aimed his next words as much at the younger seer.

“…and understood,” he said. “I’ll bring him back. But can I have the others knock him out before he gets on the boat?” Jon quirked an eyebrow at Maygar. “Or does he have to openlyresistthe order, first?”

Wreg laughed on the other end of the line.

Maygar gave him a confused but irritated look. “What the fuck are you talking about? Who is that?”