‘It’s a nice piece. It almost eluded detection entirely. But, see, my client is very careful about his personal privacy. Once he and Udmil began to become more closely associated, he extended that care to her. We are assuming it came from you, probator.’

‘Quite a leap.’

‘We can check it, if you like. Ser Lascile is on excellent terms with your castellan, as I’m sure you’re also aware.’

‘Vongella’s very friendly when you pay her, that’s true.’

Vermida seemed to tire of the small talk then. ‘I do not blame you for taking precautions. I might have done the same thing, in your position – it is always best to be sure that what you are being asked to do accords with the truth.’ He curled up his fist, and crushed the tracker. ‘But now, due to the recent merging of operations, I am empowered to speak for Mzl Terashova too. She wishes you to know that your services as an investi­gator will no longer be required. She is prepared to overlook the placement of this device on the condition that you drop your current enquiries into the whereabouts of her son. You will be pleased to learn that Adeard has been found, safe and well. His disappearance was a juvenile escapade, just as you initially suspected, and all is now put to rights.’

‘Glad to hear it. What a lucky coincidence.’

‘Everyone is very relieved.’

‘I’d like to speak to Adeard, then. Just to tie things up properly.’

‘He is off-world, I’m afraid. The Jazc Corporation has a number of concessions in void transit, and he has taken up management of one of them.’

‘Will he be back soon?’

‘I do not know.’

‘Then I’d like to speak to Udmil.’

‘As you might expect, she is also very busy. She and Ser Lascile have much to arrange, and she is doing so at his residence. A wedding, for starters.’

‘That’s a shame. It would be helpful. She started this thing running, as you probably know.’

Vermida looked irritated. ‘You are terminating your enquiries at this juncture, probator. I do not see the need to speak to either Adeard or Udmil. Let me be clear – this is over, your role is done. I would gently suggest, with the very greatest of respect, that you forget about the whole thing.’

Zidarov smiled. ‘And if I don’t? You’ll make more use of those shredder-guns your friends carry around?’

‘Varangantua is a dangerous place. A certain degree of protection has always been advisable for those with means.’

‘I have a few questions of my own.’

‘Ask away.’

‘Mordach Terashova is not a retiring man. I’m assuming this… merger didn’t take place with his consent. Are you not concerned that he will be, well, quite angry about it?’