The Hidden Ledger gave Lucian three days to prepare.
His target was an information broker named Osric Melden. Melden sold private records to merchants, officials, smugglers, and anyone else able to meet his price. That alone did not concern the Hidden Ledger. Caldris supported several businesses that survived by selling information.
Melden had acquired something he was not supposed to possess.
The locksmith placed a drawing of a brass cylinder on the table between him and Lucian. It was no longer than Lucian's hand and narrow enough to conceal inside a coat.
"The cylinder contains names." He said. "People who have purchased services from us, people who have sold information to us, and people who would suffer if their association became public. Melden intends to sell copies and extort the names he recognizes."
"Where is it?" Lucian asked.
"In his estate. He is holding a private sale there tomorrow night. We need the original replaced with this."
