He held himself still. But the world rocked around him. How could he have faith in that, when truth had played no part in what had befallen him lately? The truth hadn’t saved Alyona. It hadn’t saved Evgeni. The truth hadn’t kept his parents alive. The truth hadn’t gained him freedom from his enemies. “Until then?”

“Until then . . .” Hall sighed. “You ought to lie low for a bit. Stay at home. I’ll send work for you to do via Lieutenant Clarke. But it would be best if the press doesn’t see you here. For now.”

What could he do but nod? Arguing would achieve nothing. No words he could give in any language could create trust where it had been broken. Even when he had not been the one to do the breaking. “Shall I leave now, sir? Or wait until the crowd has dispersed?”

“I have a feeling they’ll not be going anywhere for quite some time. But they don’t seem to have found the back entrance yet.”

“Very well.” Zivon saluted. Pivoted.

“Just a moment. I’ve a packet put together to take with you.”

Zivon turned long enough to take the file of papers—all of which, he suspected, were already classified as unimportant. Never would Hall let it be said that Zivon had been entrusted with anything critical after his loyalties had been called into question. If he were truly here for some subversive purpose, then the best plan would be to keep him busy with trivial matters until the extent of his actions had been discovered. Or at least that’s what he would have done in Hall’s place.

Just as well. Trivial meant easy to decode, which meant he would be left with plenty of spare time. Something he would apparently need, since it seemed all his plans would be crumbling again. He strode from the office, down the corridor, toward the stairs. At the ground floor, his feet halted. Everything in him said he should go downstairs and see if Lily was in by chance. But she wouldn’t be, not this early in the day. And even if she were, her father would no doubt reinstate his rules to keep him distant now.

Captain Blackwell would be right to do so. His sweet Lily should have no part of this.