“Den tell dem about it and let dem jump on the mole.”

“They’d never believe me even if they would listen long enough to hear me out. Besides, I can’t hand them any proof or name the imposter.”

“They still own you, then,” Ghost said.

“They don’t,” Sam shot back. “This is personal.”

“Revenge I understand.”

“It’s more than that,” Sam insisted. “Stopping this plot lets me repay any debt I still owe Renraku. I’ll be able to call it even.”

“What about them? Will they feel as you do?”

Sam didn’t know, but it didn’t matter. He had to do what he thought was right. “They’ll have to make their own assessment.”

“You stand like a man.” Ghost folded his arms across his chest. “I will help you.”

“An abrupt decision, Sir Razorguy, considering that you have so little data about your opponent,” Dodger observed. When Ghost said nothing, the Elf shrugged and turned to Sam. “To clarify, then. Your goal now is only to stop Drake’s plot?’

“No. I want Drake to pay for his crimes.”

“And what about the dangerous Ms. Hart?”

“Yeah, and dat serpent. Dey been doing a pretty fair job of wasting folks. Ain’t dey bad guys, too?”

Sam looked the shadowrunners over. He knew that Tessien had killed and that Hart was deeply involved in this plot that included cold-blooded murder. That didn’t excuse them, but Sam knew there was only so much he could hope to accomplish, The runners seemed far too impressed by Hart and Tessien’s reputations. “They’re just Drake’s tools. If they come to justice, so much the better, but it’s Drake I want.”

Dodger shifted, his muscles relaxing. Sam took it as a sign that he had spoken well. When Sally nodded, he was sure, that he had won them.

“If you can take out Drake before those two find out you aren’t dead, they may not be any trouble at all. Hart’s a pro. If her cred source vaporizes, she’ll be elsewhere and the serpent will go with her. She knows there’s no percentage in noble causes or revenge. Leastways as long as she doesn’t have a bodyguard clause in her contract.”

“I hope you’re right, Sally.”

“Afraid of dem, Suitboy?”

“Yes.”

“Very wise,” Sally commented. “I don’t know this Tessien, but any Dragon’s trouble and one that Hart partners with ain’t going to be streetmeat. Hart’s a top runner. I’d rather not cross her.”

“Then if Drake’s the only target, you’ll help?” Sally snorted and shook her head negatively. “Listen good, my fledgling magic man. I’ll help you find your path. I’ll get you settled in our little half-world.” She smiled invitingly. “I’ll even help you forget this mess, if you think you can handle the stress.”

Sam frowned. “That’s not the kind of help I want.”

“It’s what you need,” she said, at once serious and teasing.

“I want you to help me get Drake.” Sam insisted.

“Verner, you’re on the streets now. A body has to be practical. You want to run the shadows with us, I’ll give you a chance. You’ve shown some possibilities. Interesting possibilities. But if you run with me, you’ve got to keep the most important principle in mind. Nothing for nothing. Your proposal offers no profit.”

“Sally’s right, Suitboy. Ain’t no nuyen in dis. You wasting our time.” The Ork stood abruptly and his chair clattered as it toppled. He started for the door. “Got more profitable ways ta spend my time.”

“Kham,” Sam called. The Ork ignored him, opened the door, and walked out into the darkness of the hall.

“He’s free to make his own choices,” Sally said softly, her words almost drowned out by the sound of Kham’s steps descending the rickety stair. “Make your own choices, Vernor. I can show you a wiz time tonight.”

Sam felt Dodger stiffen at his side and glanced over to see the Elf watching Ghost. The Indian’s face was calm and still. Whatever was going on, he’d talk to Dodger about it later. Sam wanted Sally’s help, because the magic that he didn’t know how to handle was second nature to her. Her skills might be just the edge he needed to get Drake. If he went with her tonight, perhaps he could convince her. He tried to keep his voice casual. “Sounds interesting.”

Sally beamed. “Wiz. Corner of Harrison and Melrose at nine. Be armed and ready to party.” She bounced from her chair in a swirl of fringed leather and danced out the door Kham had left open. “Scan you later, magic man.”

Sam was left with Dodger and Ghost. He already knew me Elf was committed, and Ghost had said earlier that he was in. Sam wasn’t sure that the three of them would be enough.”

“Ghost, do you think I can persuade her to help?”

“She has her own mind, paleface.”

The room felt cold, chilled by an undertone in Ghost’s voice. The Indian seemed disturbed, but something in his face told Sam not to ask questions. He decided to stick to business, hoping that the chill would thaw in the heat of discussing the problems they faced. It had worked with Hanae. “Dodger, have you found out anything more about Drake?”

“Verily, he is a true mystery man. I have uncovered enough to know that he is no more a real person than any Mr. Johnson who offers one a corporate handout. His true name and nature remain shrouded, but I have learned that he uses the first name of Jarlath.”

“What kind of name is that?” Sam asked.

“I don’t know,” Dodger admitted.

Ghost walked to the boarded-up window. Intrusive beams from the flashing neon snaked like warpaint over his features. “And you are sure that Hart and the serpent work for him?”

“They said so.”

“I heard they were involved in stopping a run against United Oil’s dockyard.”

Sam was pleased. “Then maybe that’s a place to start. If those two were there, maybe it means that Drake works for United Oil.”