“So glad to hear it,” said Lady Matheson. “I shall host my next party here.”

“But the security costs were hefty,” said Sparks. “Along with the fee for Mr. Cornell, the consultation with our forger, and some miscellaneous items. It’s all there in the itemised inventory on top. We took the liberty of deducting those portions to save you the trouble of writing so many cheques.”

“How thoughtful of you,” said Lady Matheson. She looked down at the car keys in her hand. “I don’t know how to drive,” she said. “Is there anyone here who can bring me and the car back without depriving me of both car and money?”

“Sounds like a call for Odd-Job Boy,” said Sally, holding out his hand for the keys.

“Do you trust this man?” Lady Matheson asked Mrs. Bainbridge, looking up at Sally dubiously.

“With my life,” she replied.

“Very well,” said Lady Matheson, tossing him the keys. “Come along.”

“Oi, Big Man,” said a spiv, coming forwards. “You do any fighting? You could make a nice bit of change. We could set something up.”

A momentary spasm of self-loathing passed across Sally’s face. Then he collected himself and stared down at the spiv.

“Sir, I am a man of the theatre,” he declared haughtily. “I detest actual violence in all of its forms. Good evening to you, ladies and gentlemen. Oh, and one more thing. ‘This day is call’d the feast of Crispian. He that outlives this day—’”

“Oh, bloody hell!” cried someone in dismay.

“‘And comes safe home,’” continued Sally, “‘will stand a tip-toe when this day is named, and rouse him at the name of Crispian!’ There’s more, but I have to drive this lady to the Palace.”

He bowed with a flourish, then followed Lady Matheson out the door.

“Well, ladies, that’s two murders solved in two months,” observed Parham. “You’re giving us quite a run for the money.”

“You can have the next one,” said Sparks wearily. “Did you ever find out who called the police to the scene?”

“It was Zacharias. He was hoping to have you keep them occupied while he made his escape. Now, as to the man who attacked you—”

“He’s ours as well,” said the Brigadier.

“Is that so?” asked Parham. “I must say, I don’t like the game you’ve been playing in my city.”

“You protect the city, we the Empire,” said the Brigadier.

“I’m still of a mind to haul you ladies in for kidnapping and interfering with an official police investigation,” continued Parham. “Not to mention destroying evidence right before my very eyes.”

“As to the kidnapping, I don’t believe there will be a complainant,” said Sparks, looking at their former captive, who was standing next to the Brigadier. “Will there?”

He gave her a long look, then shook his head.

“Nor will we be pressing charges against him,” said Mrs. Bainbridge. “As for destroying evidence, wait one second.”

She walked off into the shadows, then returned, carrying another shoebox.