Page 38 of Silenced

Me: For someone I haven’t spoken to in five years, you’ve made sure you’re up to date about me, haven’t you?

Troy: Don’t get a big head. I do this with everyone.

Me: Hmm, if you say so.

Troy: What’s Altin done? They use him as fists if my latest intel hasn’t failed me. He’s too volatile for anything else.

Me: Still your father’s heir?

Troy: Yes, but he’s not happy about it.

Me: You’ve spoken to him?

Troy: Nyet, comrade. He used to tell me when he’d beat on me for being a girl that it was my fault he needed Altin when he was a POS.

Troy: Trust me, if Daddy dearest thinks he’s an asshole, you can take that to the bank.

Me: Want me to kill him?

Troy: Awwwww, is that a declaration of love?

Troy: Anyway, nah, but thank you! I’ve let Father live this long. I’m waiting for a special occasion.

Me: Special occasion? Let me know so I can take advantage?

Troy: *snorts* Since when are you interested in Kentucky as turf?

Me: I’m interested in everything.

Troy: If you say so.

Me: I appreciate the intel.

Troy: It’s surprisingly good to hear from you. How’s the scar?

With a quick glance at the line of puckered flesh that bisects my eye, I type:

Me: Healed.

Troy: I almost regretted marring the perfection of your face, but you were too pretty anyway.

Troy: I credit myself for making you as terrifying as you are now.

Troy: I hear rumors about ‘Mute.’

Me: Rumors never stop.

Troy: No, they don’t. Not when you’re trying to make a name for yourself, which you’ve done. Never thought you would.

Troy: Glad you proved me wrong.

Me: I am too.

Troy: Does my father know you took Altin?

Me: Who said I did?

Troy: :P You’re talking to someone who can read you like a book.

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