‘For you, nothing,’ said Father. ‘We merely asked you here in the hope that you might be able to give us a clue, or some information that might help.’

‘I’m afraid I’ve told you everything I know.’

‘Of course. Now you may leave—’

‘Nobody’s leaving anywhere!’ boomed Ucho, coming back in through the partition. ‘Not until we get to the bottom of this!’

‘Ucho, I hardly think there’s anything to be gained by going on and on here,’ said Father. ‘Have your men searched the tent?’

‘Twice, but they’ve drawn a blank. Maybe a search outside the tent will turn something up. Our assassin might have dropped something. Slim chance, but that’s all there is.’

‘I hardly think someone who could manage this would make a mistake like that,’ said June.

‘Nevertheless,’ said Father, ‘I think it is wise to be sure. By all means, Ucho. Have them search the surrounding area.’

Ucho nodded. ‘I have already ordered them to do so.’

‘Very well, then. Now, there is something else I wish to discuss with you.’

‘Not now, Father.’

‘I’m afraid it must be now. Distasteful as it may seem, we need to find someone to fill Castor’s shoes and we need to do it quickly.’

Ucho made an impatient gesture, like he had at Castor earlier. ‘Look, I’m a little busy—’

‘Nevertheless, it must be done, and now.’

Ucho turned to look at him, then at Albert, then at Colby. ‘Don’t you want some privacy before—’

‘Which is what I was doing when you stopped them. It is no matter. They might as well know now as later.’

‘Well, I can’t think about all this right—’

‘I have already thought about it.’

‘That’s great then. So I can just get back to—’

‘I have asked June.’

Ucho turned to look at him, then at June, who was sitting there, straight-faced. ‘Is that so? So you’ve given up on your other—uh—agenda, then?’

She looked stonily back at him.

‘Ah. Thought not. It’s none of my business, but it’s madness, girl! Give it up!’

‘You’re right,’ said June.

Whatever reaction Ucho had been expecting to his little homily, calm acceptance clearly hadn’t been part of the consideration set. ‘I am?’ he said, sounding a trifle surprised.

‘You are. That it’s none of your business.’

Ucho visibly swelled, his face turning pink, and he opened his mouth, but then stopped himself and nodded. ‘Fair enough.’ He turned back to Father. ‘You’re sure about this?’

‘Do you have an objection, Ucho?’

‘She’s young.’