Chapter ONE - Weebly

inquiry, but he managed to stop himself. He had just
asked Berson to help him maintain the fiction that his
investigation was at an end, and here he nearly revealed
the truth to the most dangerous person in Boston.
“Come.” She flashed that charming smile. “I promise
we’ll only speak of important matters. No more
nonsense about my collections or anything like that.”
“How do I know it’s not poisoned?” he asked,
taking the seat beside hers and pointing to his wineglass.
“You don’t,” she said. “But that makes it all the
more exciting.” She lifted her goblet and held it before
her. Ethan lifted his as well. “To friendly rivals,” she
said, touching her glass to his.
Ethan had to laugh. He sipped the wine, which was
excellent, and not watered at all. After a moment, he
took some cheese, bread, and fowl. He left the fruit,
though, because she took none. He didn’t really believe
that she intended to poison him, but he made a point of
eating only the same foods as she.
She nodded approvingly as he began to eat, and
then said, “You’ve been to see Abner Berson.”
He eyed her for a moment before answering. “I