It had arrived, first, as a text message on Lios's cell phone.
    "Happy anniversary, honey."
    He had scowled at the impropriety of the sender much quicker than he got around to questioning how the person had acquired his cell phone number. The only things not in doubt were who it was, and what it was referring to. Wasn't it last year at this time when they were knee-deep in this shit?
    "What's with all this?" he wrote back angrily. "What are you going on about?"
    "Oh, I'm sorry, we haven't gone on our first date yet, have we, Lios dear? Would you prefer Chinese or Italian?"
    "Goddammit, woman."
    "Meet at Net Slum as soon as possible, if you please."
    "With you?" Lios asked, mildly surprised. "You can't go on now, can you? Your trial is barely even wrapped up."
    "Pesky details. If I'm arrested again, I'll tell them it was your idea. Besides, as you recall, I was arrested for music trafficking, not any of my more illustrious illegalities. Leave it to the Japanese government to be so short-sighted."
    "Anyway, I'm dealing with some paperwork right now. Can't this wait?"
    "If you keep me waiting, I suppose I'll just take Wiseman on a date instead."
    "Isn't he a little young for you?"
    "Pig-head. Quit quibbling about and just come. It's about Kite."
    "Shit," Lios said aloud.
    "Okay. Give me five minutes."
 

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