“Everyone underestimates us girls, yes?” I nodded. “That’s because they forget.” She tapped the corners of her eyes, then her ears. “We’re the background noise. The little flies on the wall. I’ve developed a soft spot for you, so I’ll tell you my secret. Men deal in violence, we deal in talk.” She gestured around the room. “You’re in it now, darling, so here’s how you play the game. Listen. Get smart. You can’t shoot a gun or throw a fist, but you have something far more valuable at your expense.” She leaned in close, a vicious grin glinting around sharp teeth, “Secrets. Gossip. The sway of
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