"Indeed I am not," said Anton evenly. "I work for myself; I own a hotel. I try very hard to avoid becoming involved in the politics of other nations and institutions."

Patrick? Anton glanced to the side and one of the kedan shrugged, and held up a finger. Only one person had gone in, and Anton could only hear one person moving inside. Anton returned his gaze to the shadows behind the holes in the door. "You may assure Patrick I rarely have any reason to lie. May I ask your name?"

He spoke in the same tone as he had begun: calmly, undeterred by the fact he was in open ground and she had a weapon.