Mistress: Katha

“You want information about Julian Cross.”

“Julian Cross has a housekeeper. Marta. She has been with him twenty-three years. She knows where his safe is hidden, what his nightmares are, and which of his smiles is real. She also has a grandson with a rare blood disorder. Julian pays for the treatment. Generously.” mistress katha

She leaned down, close enough that I could see the fine lines at the corners of her mouth. “Why do you really want to destroy him?” “You want information about Julian Cross

“You will not get it. Not for money. Not for threats. Not for charm.” She tilted her head. “But I will give you something else. A lesson. The price is one question. Any question. But you must answer mine first.” She knows where his safe is hidden, what

At the door, I turned. “The question you asked me. The real one. What if I had lied?”

Mistress Katha straightened. For the first time, something moved behind her eyes—not pity. Recognition.