The smuggler leaned back, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"Well, well, well," he said. "It seems we have a very valuable piece of cargo on our hands."
He paused, his eyes scanning Althea's face, searching for any sign of deception.
"If what you say is true, this could be a very profitable venture for both of us."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"I can get you in and out of the city without a trace. I can provide you with the resources you need to eliminate your target. But you have to trust me, completely."
Althea knew this was a gamble. Trusting a stranger, especially one involved in the shadowy world of smuggling, was a risky proposition. But she had no other options. The clock was ticking, and every moment wasted brought her closer to failure.
"I trust you," she said, her voice steady. "But remember, I'm not working for you. We're partners in this."
