Gerald sat up. What’s he doing here? He exchanged a worried look with Monk, who’d turned pale.
“ So,” Sir Alec said briskly, hands clasped behind his back. “Listen carefully, ladies and gentlemen, as I explain to you how this arrangement is going to work. To all intents and purposes, Witches Inc. shall continue to operate as a legitimate thaumaturgical troubleshooting agency. In fact I anticipate that for most of the time, you shall be occupied with the kind of work you anticipated handling when you started the business. Of course, from this time forth most of that work will be filtered in to you from various avenues approved by my Department, and every job will be vetted for potential nefarious connections, but nevertheless the agency will, for the most part, be what it claims to be. Although the entire operating budget will be provided by the government and any revenue you generate shall be laid against expenses.”
Melissande, shocked, was staring with her mouth open. “ What? I don’t think so, Sir Alec. At least not without the proper consultation. You can’t barge in here and-”
Sir Alec’s smile was particularly wintry, even for him. “Yes, I can, Your Highness. Or did you not realise you were interfering with an ongoing, highly classified government investigation?”
“ Interfering?” said Reg. “You cheeky bugger! We saved your Department’s hide and you bloody well know it!”
Sir Alec ignored her. “ You, Mister Dunwoody, shall be joining Witches Inc. as one of its employees. When not engaged on official Department business you’ll keep yourself busy with any Third Grade wizard work that might cross the agency’s desk. You, Mister Markham, will continue in your current position in Research and Development, but with secondment duties to my Department as and when I require your services. Miss Cadwallader, Miss Markham and Dulcetta-”
“I prefer Reg,” said Reg coldly. “If it’s all the same to you, sunshine.”
This time Sir Alec offered her a small bow. “Very well… Reg. The three of you shall be considered auxiliary Department personnel, subject to the same official government restrictions and conditions as restrain Mister Dunwoody and Mister Markham.” He frowned. “At least when it suits them to be restrained. In short, ladies, you are now honorary janitors, though I do strongly advise that you not let the title go to your heads.”
Her heart-stopping face framed in the open window, golden hair gleaming in the sun, blue eyes bright with unholy amusement, Bibbie bounced on her dustbin lid and laughed.
“How about that?” she crowed. “What a wonderful idea!”
“You think so?” Melissande demanded. “Well, I think it’s-it’s the most high-handed, autocratic, bossy — ”
“I know!” said Bibbie. “He sounds just like you-and Reg!”
As Melissande spluttered, Sir Alec continued. “These new arrangements will commence immediately. Mister Markham, Mister Dunwoody, you will report to Nettleworth at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. Miss Cadwallader, Miss Markham and Reg, someone will be stopping by this office later today with papers for you to sign. Or, in your case, Reg, scratch. Then you too shall report to Nettleworth for further briefings.”
“Um,” said Gerald, not daring to look at Melissande. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to add, Sir Alec?”
Sir Alec frowned. “No. I don’t think so. I think I’ve been quite clear.”
“No, no, I think there was something else,” he said. “Something about-I don’t know-asking if we’re interested?”
“I’m sorry,” said Sir Alec, one pale brown eyebrow lifting. “Did you not hear what I said to Miss Cadwallader? This is-as you’d say-most definitely a done deal. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens when you solve a highly delicate and dangerous secret mission.” He smiled, unamused. “You get given another one.”
“But-but-” said Melissande. “Rupert-he’s not going to like me getting involved with-”
Sir Alec considered her. “Actually, Your Highness, His Majesty has already been informed. He asked me tell you, from him, ‘ Have fun ’.”
“Oh,” said Melissande faintly. Stunned, she patted Boris on the head. “I see. Well. Gosh. Did he really?”
“Yes,” said Sir Alec, then added, “Your family has also been informed, Miss Markham.”
“And did they give you a message for me?” asked Bibbie brightly.
“No,” said Sir Alec. “But I’ve got one. Get off that dustbin lid. It’s time to grow up.”
As the agency door clicked closed behind him they all looked at each other, lost for words.
Well. Almost lost for words.
Comfortable on her ram skull, Reg let out a sudden cackle. “Well, boys and girls, you know what they say. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Bloody hell! What’s next?”