The old man becomes serious.
"That is unusual."
---
Andre leans forward.
"You think something's happening?"
"I know something's happening."
"Then tell us."
"If I knew what, I'd be charging money."
"There's the greed."
"There is."
---
Kai finally asks the real question.
"Can you help us meet Akshay?"
The room grows quiet.
Zindine studies him.
Then laughs.
A small laugh.
Not mocking.
Amused.
"You really don't know what's happening, do you?"
"What do you mean?"
"The city is a mess right now."
He points toward the ceiling.
"The military is on edge."
"The prison just suffered an escape."
Andre raises a hand.
"My fault."
"Obviously."
---
Zindine returns to his chair.
"If you want access to Akshay..."
He pauses.
"You'll need Vice."
"Vice?"
"Vice Encio."
Andre immediately nods.
"Smuggler."
"Assassin."
"Information broker."
"Criminal."
"Businessman."
The two continue listing titles.
Kai isn't sure if they're describing a person or a disaster.
---
Then the library doors open.
Not dramatically.
Quietly.
Which is somehow worse.
Five men enter.
None look interested in books.