Chapter 17 · How long?

He gave her a hard look but moved to the far wall.

Mara turned toward the hatch with the sword raised. The cabinet jumped again. Dust puffed from its hinges.

"How long?" she asked.

"Three minutes. Maybe four."

"That is not enough time."

"Then stop talking and look faster."

"You are unbearable."

"You are loud."

"You like it."

"I tolerate it."

"Same thing."

Riven pulled open a drawer. Empty. He ripped the drawer free and threw it aside.

"What exactly are we looking for?"

"A first page."

"That sounds helpful. First page of what?"

"A plague ledger."

"You knew there was a ledger here?"

"Tessa sent word."

Mara glanced back. "Who is Tessa?"

He stopped.

"You said her name last chapter?" Mara asked.

"No."

"Then why do I know it?"

Riven's expression hardened. "You heard it in the records room."

"I heard you say it."

"You were unconscious."

"I was not unconscious."

"You were close enough."

"Who is she?"

"Someone who may help us."

"May?"

"She may also sell us out."

"And you planned to bring me to her without mentioning her?"

"We were busy being shot at."

"You could have mentioned it while we were chained together.