A Deal Over Tea
Felberta smiled gently.
"So now that we are all calm, let's continue our talk."
There was no hostility in her voice.
Not even a trace of anger.
She sounded almost as though nothing had happened.
"Don't worry, Ms. Brinda."
Felberta reached for her teacup again.
"This deal will benefit us both greatly."
She lifted the cup and took another calm sip.
Then she placed it back on the saucer.
Click.
The faint sound of porcelain touching porcelain seemed strangely loud in the quiet room.
Too ordinary.
Too peaceful.
Only moments ago, Oliver had moved with such terrifying speed that Brinda had barely understood what was happening before the blade was already against her throat.
Now, that same woman sat across from her with a peaceful smile.
She was drinking tea.
She looked completely relaxed.
As if the threat had never happened.
That bothered Brinda more than the blade itself.
She slowly settled back into her chair.
