She caught the packet of bomb fragments and grimaced inwardly: suddenly the odds of having to indulge one of the cab driver's perversions seemed that much higher.<span style="color: mediumturquoise">"Plus expenses,"</span>she haggled, gently. As Giantprick had offered her no earnest money up front, she was reluctant to go further out of pocket than absolutely necessary.<span style="color: mediumturquoise">"I assure you I treat my employer's resources with every respect. Speaking of which..."</span>She let her gaze drift, for just a moment, towards the exit through which the Grey lieutenants departed.<span style="color: mediumturquoise">"Would you be kind enough to make your people available to me, if I have any... questions?"</span>She trusted he'd take her meaning. Better to secure his cooperation now, than to have him freak out of it became necessary to interrogate one of his subordinates.<span style="color: mediumturquoise">"I will, of course, keep you informed of my progress. Is there some secure com-line through which I can contact you and you alone?"</span><div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>