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‘Anything else?’

‘That’s it for now.’ He intended to squeeze his money’s worth from her soon enough, but only after satisfying his genuine hunger and sudden thirst for a good brew.

‘I’ll get it to you before you know it.’

She flitted away and moments later returned with an amber-colored bottle in which swirled a golden liquid flecked with glittering ions.

‘Tansinian star whiskey, the finest in the house.’

He’d once sampled the brand, which was middling, but still, he jerked his head to approve the pour into a tumbler.

Subpar whiskey was better than none at all.

He sighed as he sipped the spirit, feeling it warm his body and lift his spirits.

Soon, Halima set a tray of food before him.

The aroma coming from the steaming presentation was buttery and delicious. The regen steak even had the texture and appearance of the real thing.

It came with fried dough balls, frozen peas steamed and coated in butter, and a thick, rich, peppery sauce that singed his nostrils.

He ploughed through the first meal in weeks that had not come from a pouch.

Lost in his repast, Riv escaped from his crowded surrounds, yielding himself to savoring the savoring, satisfying his belly, and teasing his taste buds.

Finally, he sat back, taking a deep breath as the food and ‘hol settled.

As he leaned into the back of his stool, his ‘noids fired up as he sensed eyes on him.

Someone was watching him.

He thought of flicking a casual once-over to spot them, but resisted. He wanted to give whoever had eyes on him time to scope him out and some false reassurance that he had no idea of their presence.

He was nursing a third glass of whiskey when the elfin Halima sauntered his way.

‘Everything to your expectations?’

‘’Tis. Better than I expected. I can see why you have good reviews.’

She simpered. ‘We try our best. Anything more I can get you?’

He assessed her for a long moment. ‘I’m looking for someone. A business contact who owes me schills. Any chance I can show you a holo, and you tell me if you’ve ever chanced on them?’

She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Discretion is one of the pillars here at The Righteous Pegasus.’

‘What if I pay you well for the privilege?’

Her eyes lit up. She was nothing if not a shrewd businesswoman.

‘How much is it worth to you?’

He leaned close and whispered a number.

She countered.

He lifted his offer.

She shot him a side eye and kept him waiting, her face impassive.