Bariyan nodded to that and left momentarily to get Koltira's drink. This far out in the city, business was slow, which meant that Koltira's drink came quickly. And also meant that should something happen, the casualty count might at least be kept low....

Bariyan frowned at himself. He no longer liked the way he thought.

"Here. Scotch, neat." He sat back down, pushed the glass across the table to Koltira. Then sat back, arms folded across his chest, watching Koltira with carefully neutral eyes.

After a while, he said, "You're keeping it under control." Half-question, half-statement.