a mask - golden light on wet

slung loose over her shoulder, scarf wound high against the chill. B

as hu

ope, handoff at Café Rüdigerhof. Cash, a forged UN science credential, and an invitation to a pr

lled it the Ma

in intellectual prestige, but if the whispers were right, some

e with gloved fingers, and scanned the ID: Dr. Lenora Amsel, Inst

ian seal - black foil presse

d to doodle when he tho

ter it before a presence sli

oat and mirrored glasses, hair slicked into a knot that seemed

just

late. You were suppose

Then remembered who s

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she smiled -

low

ft the coff

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Crossed into the 1st District

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busts and gold-leaf doors.

p d

opened int

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anels and the scent of ozone. Som

ame th

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s lab used to make, right

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mber B. Then briefed. Dr.

ind her eyes, that tug in her stomach. A

sn't just Monar

s the

e theory turne

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father had d

ad to burn Monarc

man in a coat of carbon-threaded wool wat

pull the

t

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at.

adle. If she finds the core,