Drake chuckled and also took a sip of his tea. "The perks of the profession, I suppose. I've always built up an extensive network of people, just by being what I am."

As for eating Ukoku...

"I doubt you'd find him that easy of a meal," he shook his head, "don't mistake my caution for protectiveness. Not of this person. He's been beyond my help for a very, very long time. I entertain his company only to keep him in check."

Which really, really depressed Amberdrake. If there was anything left to save, he'd try. But Ukoku was long past that point, and probably had been ever since the first time he'd draped the Muten Sutra over his shoulders.

"He might eat you, is more of what I'd worry about."