Amber got to her hands and knees and crawled to the banisters and looked down as Grant tossed Kenneth Dowall over the desk, where he had the good sense to stifle his moans and shut the hell up.

Grant, Betty and Bill stood around in all their red-skinned glory.

“Now what do we do?” Grant asked. “Go door to door? Have you seen this girl? It’s done. It’s over. Let’s admit to this failure and go back to the job we were given.”

“By Astaroth,” said Bill.

“Yes,” said Grant, “by Astaroth. Before he realises what we’ve been trying to do.”

“You’re scared,” said Betty.

“Of course I am,” Grant said. “And if you’re not scared then you’re a fool. Listen to me – we took the risk. We did. It was a worthwhile risk, but it just didn’t work out for us. These things happen.”

“It’s not over yet,” said Bill.

“The hell it isn’t,” Grant said. “We have to cut our losses.”

“I’ve always hated that phrase,” said Bill. “I don’t lose, Grant. We don’t lose. We find Amber – we find the key. None of this will matter when we release Naberius. Then we’ll have all the power we’d ever want.”

“There’s no such thing,” said Grant, “not for you two. Your ambition is going to get us killed.”

A door was kicked open, somewhere Amber couldn’t see, and two men came sprawling into view. They ended up on their knees.

“Found these two fighting outside,” Kirsty said, walking in behind them. “More wannabe demons.”

Serial killers. Amber’s concern over their fate faded dramatically.

“I believe our luck is about to change,” said Bill, smiling. “Gentlemen, so good to meet you. I have a feeling you’re going to bring us some good news. We need some good news. My friends are beginning to doubt the course we are currently on. But you … you have been sent here to reaffirm the wisdom of our decision. What’s in it for you, you ask? If you help us, you can live. That’s a reward that just keeps on giving, now, isn’t it? We’re looking for a black Charger, gentlemen. Tell me at least one of you has seen it.”

“We’re looking for it, too,” said the first killer. “I … I thought we were on the same side.”

Bill smiled. “You’re not on our side, little man. You’re merely one of Astaroth’s pawns. But you may be of use to us if you’ve seen the black Charger.”

“I … I haven’t.”

Bill’s smile faded. “Unfortunate,” he said, and kicked the killer’s face through the back of his skull. He turned to the other one. “What about you, my friend? Have you seen the black Charger?”

“Or the girl?” said Betty. “Overweight, with brown hair?”