‘We take recruitment seriously,’ continued Hooke, ‘and the Chief has made a personal investment that she doesn’t want to see bruised.’

‘Charlie’s a Consul, not a piece of overripe fruit, and right now, under arrest – our prisoner, our jurisdiction.’

I opened my mouth to say something, but Jonesy pressed her fingers on my mouth to keep me silent.

‘You’ve charged Worthing with harbouring?’ asked Hooke.

‘Yes.’

Hooke looked at Birgitta, who was still staring blankly around the lobby and freaking out the winsomniacs, who were studiously avoiding her blank gaze.

‘Worthing was looking after this nightwalker at our request,’ said Hooke. ‘We’ll swear to that in an affidavit. There has been no crime. Now, release the prisoner from your custody and this can end without recrimination.’

‘Irrespective, Charlie is still a Consul,’ said Jonesy.

‘Deputy Worthing could resign,’ said Hooke, ‘here and now.’

Jonesy stared at him coldly.

‘Charlie’s not resigning. Wonky, you’re not resigning.’

‘Only Charlie can make that decision.’

It was Lucy Knapp who’d spoken. She looked at me and smiled.

‘Charlie, listen to me. The Consul Service are not your friends. I’ve seen stuff and know stuff and at HiberTech we’re on the cusp of introducing something quite new and wonderful to the world. For purely personal reasons and an intense dislike of Aurora, Toccata is trying to throw a spanner in the works. But we need to move forward without let or hindrance: it’s a game changer.’

‘Project Lazarus?’

‘Ten years in the preparation. It’s a winner, any way you want to look at it. And HiberTech needs your help to ensure the most satisfactory outcome is enjoyed by the majority.’

‘What’s on the cylinder?’

‘I don’t know, Hooke doesn’t know, and I’m willing to bet Miss Jones doesn’t know.’

I looked at Jonesy, who didn’t deny it.

‘Why me?’ I asked. ‘What’s so special about me that only I can help?’

‘Aurora sees something special in you,’ she said, ‘a gift that can be nurtured until it becomes a skill that will set you head and shoulders above any potential career with the Consuls. Working for HiberTech will be the best decision you’ll ever make.’

‘She’s lying,’ said Jonesy, ‘whoever she is – sorry, we weren’t introduced.’

‘Lucy Knapp,’ said Lucy, holding out a hand, which Jonesy shook.

‘Miss Knapp’s lying,’ continued Jonesy, slowly moving her hand to where her Bambi was holstered. ‘HiberTech look out only for themselves. They’ll take what they want from you and the next thing you know you’ll be driving a golf cart around the facility. Only you won’t know that, because you won’t be able to.’

‘Jonesy exaggerates wildly like the outspoken fool I now realise she is,’ said Lucy, her voice rising, ‘but she has no cogent arguments, merely slander. It’s a bona fide career. How about it?’