"I apologize for the intrusion." Tessa spoke up, finally, a crisp tone artfully and almost wholly disguising what was, truly, a great deal of pain. "And I thank you for your assistance. I know it must be strange, seeing as you employ my original, Mr. da Silva."

"Sebastian is very aware that his empire is collapsing around him. He does not have many friends left- I expect Selene will take care of Fitzroy in some manner shortly, and as for me- I appear to have been created with some marginal sense of self-preservation.

I will give you everything I have regarding his location and activities, as well as the account numbers of his secret assets. In exchange for two things. Protection, and the provision of some manner of worthwhile employment after this."

She looked significantly at both Marcelo and Stephanie.