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You did have some good times together, after all. You debate with yourself for a while, then give him a call an hour east of Tucson. You'll have to be careful—anything you say could trigger the SI's search algorithms. But this is only a preliminary conversation. You won't talk about anything you're doing.

Your call goes to voice mail. A few minutes later, Julian answers with a text that forces you to pull over:

She's going to turn you into a newt when she learns the Eagle's cut her off.

Before you can respond, another text: Get her on our side. Or try to recruit her scholars, scientists, etc. I need good people, and unlike some Usurpers I could name, I don't spit acid at people when I lose my temper.

An hour later, he texts, Learn everything you can about the facility. Collect blood samples if possible. I hear she's captured a witch. I don't believe in witches but check it out anyway.

Twenty minutes later, a final text: Obviously your phone is compromised now. Drop it off in the bathroom of the next Shell station. Don't destroy the SIM card. There's a replacement under the sink.

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