“I’d look for flaws in the transmutation,” she said. “The splicing isn’t very good, so there are mistakes that could be aggravated to accelerate deterioration. You wouldn’t have to kill it outright, you’d just—speed up the inevitable.”
He leaned forward, so close she could feel his breath. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her.
“You’re so pragmatic.” The words brushed against her lips.
He released her chin abruptly and stepped away, eyes glittering.
Her cheeks were still hot as she packed up all her supplies, refusing to look at him again.
He spoke just as she was leaving.
“Don’t die, Marino. I might miss you.”
Vanya Gettlich was a stubby-limbedspinster with small eyes, a large round nose, and sharp ears. The combination, she’d always said, that was the secret to her suc
