Tzadi said, "How much would you consider equitable?"
"You make almost twice as much as I do," Derrence said, some bitterness investing his voice. "Twenty a week should be enough to give you a few extra sessions in ... mental improvement."
"Agreed," Tzadi said.
Derrence covered his surprise, and his discomfort. This wasn't a man adept in the shakedown, the way a company spy should be. This was a man pleasantly surprised by a windfall!
"For that," Derrence said, "I expect absolute silence. You understand me, don't you?"
"Yes. I do. You can count on me, Der."
"Good," Derrence muttered, fighting the awful feeling that he'd thrown away a hefty slice of income for nothing. Yet Tzadi had information which could hurt him. Tzadi had known Mercy before today and lied about it. Tzadi had said he needed "help" with a personal problem.
They ordered. Tzadi ate lightly for a fat man; he left more than half his meal. As soon as he pushed away his plate, he said, "I wonder if you'd be kind enough to help me in another way, Der."
Derrence stopped chewing; then swallowed and took a sip of water. "Another way," he said flatly. So money hadn't been Tzadi's object.