Chapter 47: Proposition
The peace was shattered by the arrival of Bianca Vitti. She didn't come to the penthouse this time; she summoned Julian to the Vitti docks.
"Stay here," Julian commanded, strapping on his shoulder holster.
"No," Elara said, her voice firm. "If I'm your queen, I don't hide while you do business. Let the city see me. Let Bianca see that her time has passed."
It was a gamble. She wanted out of the penthouse to scout the perimeter. Julian looked at her, his ego warring with his protectiveness. The sight of her in a form-fitting black dress, her eyes cold and defiant, won. He wanted to show her off. He wanted to rub his victory in Bianca's face.
At the docks, Bianca stood surrounded by crates of black-market tech. She looked at Elara with a sneer that didn't reach her eyes.
"You brought the stray," Bianca said, lighting a cigarette. "Careful, Julian. Strays bite when they're hungry."
"Business, Bianca," Julian growled.
"The business is this: The Director has contacted me. He knows about the Ledger. He knows about David. He's offering a ceasefire if you hand over the boy and the girl." Bianca stepped closer, her voice a low hiss. "The Ghost Families are turning. If you don't take the deal, the Syndicate will burn, and you'll burn with it for a girl who's probably still wearing a wire."
Elara felt Julian's hand tighten on her waist. The suspicion she had worked so hard to bury was being fed by Bianca's poison.