Toxic Ties

In the center of her palm was a needle mark so small it was nearly invisible to the naked eye. Valerie had deftly inserted the needle the moment they shook hands earlier. Her expression shifted subtly, eventually settling into one of puzzled curiosity. She looked at Valerie and asked, “What are you trying to do?”

Valerie flashed a faint smile. “I'm sorry, but my silver needle is also poisonous. It