>>2971861 (lb)
Same. I really need a vacation. And some real sleep, but... The Infinite Divine already told me that I'm not going to get real sleep until...
The Coffee Trader
pg. 289
"And what do you want?"
Joachim wiped away some of his blood with the sleeve of his shirt. "My silence. You have brokered for a gentile and you've attempted to commit adultery with a Christian woman. And even more, I've seen you with your friend. I know where she gets her money , and I wonder if this Ma'amad of yours would be interested to learn."
Joachim could have seen Miguel with Geertuid, but how could he know about Geertruid taking money from her husband's children? It made no sense, but Miguel hadn't the heart to find out how Joachim knew what he knew—he only wished to end the conversation. "I won't discuss this with you."
"With so much hanging in the balance," Joachim said evenly, "I think you'll find a way to get that money. You'll borrow it, steal it—I don't care, just as long as you get it to me."
"Your threats are worth nothing, and they won't change what is."
Miguel turned away and began walking very quickly, sensing somehow that Joachim would not follow. His hands shook and he had to concentrate to make sure he walked properly. His luck this day could not have been worse, but nevertheless he believed with absolute certainty that Joachim would not go to the Ma'amad. If he had wanted to ruin Miguel, he would have allowed the woman to call the Watch. But once Miguel was punished, the game would be over, and it now appeared that Joachim had become attached to playing it. He fed off his injuries, blossomed with the issuing of new warnings. It was all he had left.
>Since I can't read this to you right now, imagine my voice.