This is the beginning of the novel.

[rhyme]

"There are three rules," he said. He sat up, just a little straighter, as he began to list them.

"First, you must accept any job that comes through the Vine. Extra jobs are up to you, but if it comes through official channels, you must take it.

"Second, the prices are what they are and they're there for a reason. If you want to charge higher for outside work, then that's fine, but you aren't a charity."

"What are the prices?"

"We'll get to that later. They're generous, even after you factor out my cut. But like I said, you'll be pulling in at least a hundred k a year."

"Good." He cleared his throat.

"The last one is that what happens on the job, stays confidential. No matter what you see, no matter what you do....actually, it's best not to mention this to others."

"That's all?"

Clyde licked his whiskers. "Yep. That's all there is to it. Quite simple in theory, aren't they?"

She stood up. "And in practice?"

Clyde tilted his head. "In practice? Well, that's a completely different matter now, isn't it?"