"The only person that Terrya d'Ubis hates more than any given offworlder is the Cynn."

"He's such a goddamn asshole," Vlad growled as he got up to join them at the door, brushing the seat of his pants off. Hawk stayed quiet as the three spirits kept talking; he stood to one side, rubbing his neck and frowning.

"It's no wonder they've treated the site of the killing like they have, if he's in charge," Dina said irritably. Luu glanced over.

"I hadn't heard that they'd found it already," they remarked.

"Aye, it happened on Bendh Truq, in front of that glassworks with the hand-shaped sign."

"Oh, Palma's," Vlad interjected.

"Yes. But all the investigators did was seal off the scene and then leave," Dina continued. "They didn't talk to anyone...but word's got around fast, I've already heard the victim's name floating around."

"See, you were right, Vlad--all they'd have to do is ask someone."

"And they could have asked anyone. It wasn't hard for people to figure out who she was! Her ghost is still walking around in the street!"

That brought Hawk out of his thoughts.

"Ghost?" he said, and all three spirits looked at him. "There's a ghost?"