Lord Regret's Price: A Jane Austen Space Opera, Book 3 by Joely Sue Burkhart

thought the device was malfunctioning because the caller’s image was grainy and distorted to the point he couldn’t even identify whether it was a male or female.
    “Thank you for accepting my call, Lord Regret.”
    Even the voice was warped, as though the person spoke underwater. The quality of the signal was very bad—as though they were still using some kind of analog device to render electronic images. He couldn’t speak to the technological capabilities of Zijin but after seeing the advancements in their assassins, this poor transmission surprised him.
    The voice was slightly feminine, but he wouldn’t assume the contact was a woman. Slight build, from what he could tell, and flowing robes looked like traditional Zijin wear.
    “How may I be of service?”
    “I wish to hire your services while you’re in Xuanyuan.”
    “Foreigners aren’t allowed into the Forbidden City.”
    The image flickered, but he thought he saw the curve of a smile. “I know your esteemed party has been invited to enter Xuanyuan. I wish to hire your services while you’re inside.”
    Whoever this person was, they were part of the Imperial family, or at least a very close adviser to the Emperor. Sig had been hoping for a contract, but he was weary of politics. Why did they always want their evil despot killed? Whatever happened to killing a plain-old spouse who’d been cuckolding with the milkman? “Who’s the mark?”
    “I can’t tell you that yet.”
    He kicked back in his chair, propped his boots on the table and laughed. “Then I can’t help you.”
    “As you can see from the poor quality of this signal, it’s very difficult to procure a secure line from inside Xuanyuan. I admit that this call has likely been traced already. They’ll know someone has contacted you but they won’t know who. I cannot give names at this time for fear that I will be betrayed. The message will be given to you only once you’re inside.”
    So perhaps this person wasn’t trying to hide from him, but merely worried of being discovered by the guards before the assassination could be carried out. Sig sighed, trying to decide if the contract was worth the headache. If the mark was inside Xuanyuan—even if it wasn’t the Emperor himself—then getting out would be next to impossible.
    Perhaps as hard as escaping Londonium with Lady Doctor Wyre.
    He had to admit the challenge was more appealing than any amount of money he might gain. He had plenty of money. He didn’t kill for money any longer. He could have retired long ago.
    If the ghosts of his past would ever give him any peace.
    “I can make arrangements for a quick and smooth exit afterward.”
    “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not too interested in being pursued across the galaxy by those ninjas that attacked us in the square today.”
    “For now, I’m just a tool, nothing more, but once you’ve completed the assignment, I will be in the position to ensure your full immunity. Trust me, Lord Regret, the general people of Zijin will be forever in your debt. There will be no repercussions from this deed.”
    “No offense, madam—” to be safe, he stuck with the female address, “—but I’ve been promised that before and nearly lost my head.”
    The person’s voice hardened and lowered, though still distinctly feminine. “Full payment will be sent now. Once you’re inside, you will be contacted with the name and details.”
    “And if I don’t accept your offer?”
    “Keep the money.” The signal began breaking up, making the contact’s shrug ripple across the screen. “It’s nothing to me.”
    Sighing, Sig ended the call. If this contractor could promise full immunity after the deed, then it meant the mark was likely the Emperor himself. Evidently Zijin politics were just as convoluted and treacherous as Britannia’s.
    Shaking his head, he had to grin. Charlie was going to have the time of her life inside the Forbidden City. Assuming they all got out