“I can’t,” he whined. “My hand’s too far—”

She reached forwards and yanked the dart out. He howled in pain, then heaved himself at her. She stepped back and swung the butt of the gun into his temple. He dropped like a stone, sprawling across the desk.

“And that was a little kiss from Lily to Violet,” she said, breathing rapidly.

“Oh God. Is he dead?” asked Gwen.

Iris felt for his pulse.

“No, worse luck,” she said. “Are you all right?”

“Me?”

“Second shock of the day,” said Iris. “I’m concerned for the state of your nerves.”

“I have something powdery at home that Dr. Milford gave me for this sort of thing,” said Gwen faintly. “Well, not this exact sort of thing. I doubt that they make powders specifically for the finding of bloody bodies and the repelling of armed attackers.”

“Can you squeeze by him?” asked Iris.

“I don’t know that I want to,” said Gwen, looking at the space between the desks.

The man’s body overhung the edge of Iris’s desk. His arms dangled over the front, one hand dripping blood from the puncture she had put through it.

“I probably should climb over the top,” said Gwen.

“I don’t know if the desk can take that weight,” said Iris.

“Now you’re being mean!” protested Gwen. “I’m not that heavy.”

“All I’m saying is that the legs that are not The Forsyte Saga may not be prepared for you. Come out between the desks. I’ll cover him in case he wakes.”

Gwen stood and sidled carefully out, holding her breath as she arched her body away from the man. She finally exhaled when she reached Iris, then frowned.

“What?” asked Iris.

“I left my bag under the desk,” said Gwen. “Would you be so kind as to cover me again?”

“Unbelievable,” muttered Iris.

“Well, I can’t just leave it there, can I?” complained Gwen as she edged her way back.

She picked up her bag, then looked at Iris.

“Do you want yours while I’m here?” she asked.

“Might as well,” said Iris.

“See, this is me being helpful,” said Gwen, reaching around the man’s legs to grab it. “Who knows what useful weaponry you have in here?”

She began the return journey. Halfway across, the man groaned. Gwen made a quick sideways leap to the front of the office.

“Much better,” she said, handing Iris her handbag. “What do we do with him now?”

“I’m trying to come up with a plan,” said Iris. “We need to secure him first.”

“I’m afraid I have no handcuffs on me,” said Gwen.

“Not even toy ones? Never mind. Go down to Mr. MacPherson’s office and see what you can find. Rope, cord, electrical wire—anything of that nature. And see if there’s a first-aid kit. This man is bleeding all over our nice, clean office.”

“How can I get into his office? It’s Saturday. It will be locked.”

Iris reached into her bag and pulled out a keyring. She sorted through it.