Cold Air in Unit Seventeen

“I know some small-shop owners,” Shen said. “If it works, we can test it at my diner.” Lin finally looked directly at him. “Do you know how much a pilot costs?” “No.” “If it fails, your diner closes faster.” “It only has a few days left anyway.” Wind poured through a break in the warehouse wall and scattered the charts. Lin caught them. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. “You are a terrible businessman.” “I don't feel like I'm doing business at all.” They returned to Night Voyage with the case. An installer Lin found quoted a figure that made Shen's chest hurt. When she offered to advance the money, he refused and pawned his father's old watch instead.