"And you'd be worried, if you didn't already know I'd never do that," X pointed out. He knew Valdis, now, inside and out, and he knew she was the kind of woman who could identify potential threats in any given circumstance. If X's knowledge was a threat, she would already be dealing with it.

Equally, though, she knew X would never use it against her. She didn't read universes, but she read souls, emotions. She felt safe, or she wouldn't be taking the time to teach X how to defend himself.

"I'm serious, though," he insisted, moving his way slowly through the counter and the block. "I know you don't have much experience with mutual honesty for honesty's sake, but if there's anything you want to know, I'll answer. The offer's open."