"I'm sorry, I had to. It was self protection," Jacob said flatly.
"It is what it is. Sienken is ill-fated, but I'm sure he'll be grateful," Loralie replied.
"You can get up now. I'll keep my promise. But now, I want you to head back and tell Helmert your mission failed. I need a mole in the Su family," he instructed.
"Okay." She hesitated for a moment. She covered her mouth with her hands and spat out a smooth round pearl. It was silver in color and it was glimmering. It looked dazzling and beautiful.
"Please accept this. This is the most important item for a fisherman. I'm giving it to you as a token of gratitude." She offered the pearl with both hands.
"What's this?" He did not understand.