Matriarch. Because I’m feeling generous.”
“You do still have the black box, don’t you?” said the Matriarch.
“I know where it is,” I said.
“What’s inside the box?” said the Matriarch.
“Sorry,” I said. “That’s two questions.”
“You’re keeping the box so you can always come back and take control of the family,” said the Matriarch. “If you ever decide you disapprove of what we’re doing.”
“I’d rather not,” I said. “Been there, done that, and hated every moment of it. I don’t ever want to be Patriarch again—unless you make me.”
“So I only get to be in charge as long as I keep making decisions you agree with?” said the Matriarch.
“Think of me as your conscience,” I said. “With a really big stick. Because, God knows, this family needs one.”
“Who gave you the right to sit in judgement on us?” said the Matriarch.
“Ask my parents,” I said. “Or Molly’s.”
* * *
I left the Sanctity, with Molly at my side. Ethel called out a cheerful good-bye and closed the doors firmly behind us. I looked quickly down the corridor, but it was still empty. Molly and I both let out a long sigh of relief, grinned at each other, and strolled off arm-in-arm.
“I thought that went rather well,” said Molly. “I told you that you’d have to make some kind of agreement with the Matriarch to get what you wanted. In fact, I think you got off lightly.”
“Just the one case, and a simple investigation at that?” I said. “Very lightly.”
“I don’t think I approve of this Big Ear listening centre,” said Molly.
“You’re right,” I said. “Only Droods can be trusted with that kind of power. Because we don’t care what people think. It’s probably for the best that I’m taking this case; I’ll be able to find out what’s really going on in there. And shut the whole place down, if necessary, just on general principles.”
“What kind of amazing new device could they have that could do so much?” said Molly. “I mean, listen in on everyone, simultaneously?”
“Could be recovered alien tech,” I said. “Black Heir has a long history of cleaning up things left behind after unauthorized close encounters. There’s always the possibility they made a present to the Prime Minister of something they shouldn’t have so they could get first shot at taking over the Department of Uncanny.”
“Vultures,” said Molly.
“It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to clean up the trash,” I said. “Still, you’re not wrong; there’s a limit to just how much reverse-engineered alien tech we can allow out in the world. Which could be just the excuse I need to pull the plug on Lark Hill.”
“If you don’t, I will,” said Molly. “I will go there myself and hit the Big Ear with shaped curses, high explosives, and general insurrection.”
“For you subtlety is just something other people do, isn’t it?” I said.
“I’m really not keen on you working this case alone,” said Molly. “You need me with you, to watch your back and keep you grounded. Especially in morally dubious places like the Big Ear. You know they always design that kind of building in a circle, so everyone can stab each other in the back at the same time. Watch yourself, Eddie. They’ll all have something to hide, and really good excuses to keep you away from what you need to see, in the name of protecting their own territory.”
“I did spend several quite successful years working as the Drood field agent in London,” I said. “Long before I ever teamed up with you. I think I can manage just the one case on my own.”
“Those were the good days, back then,” said Molly.
“When we weren’t trying to kill each other,” I said. “For being on a whole bunch of different sides.”
“Ah yes,” said Molly. “Spies and secrets and lashings of violence. Happy times.”
We shared a smile.
“So,” I said, “what will you be doing while I’m gone? And please tell me it won’t involve shaped curses, high explosives, and general insurrection.”
“I’m sure I can keep busy,” Molly said innocently. “I might go visit with my sisters. Isabella and Louisa are off on vacation together at the moment. I do need to talk to them. You’re not the only one with unfinished family business, you know.”
“Where are they?” I said. “Or shouldn’t I ask, because the answer would only upset me?”
“It’s usually best not to when the two of them get together,” Molly conceded. “They always do so much more damage when they’re together. But just now they’re relaxing, on