Robin sat on a row of chairs by the wall, next to a young mother with a baby in her arms. By the time Robin had filled out the first form, an officer had come to escort her away—visiting the father, no doubt. Visitors came and went as Robin plowed on, the paperwork never ending. He had to detail criminal convictions, past addresses, any trips he’d made in the past five years—information that he thought couldn’t possibly be relevant. By the time he was done, he felt like he’d written another book.

He went back to the officer and slid him back the stack of papers. The officer took them and placed them behind him on a pile. “They’ll take a day to process.”

“What?” Robin said. “No, I don’t have a day. I have to see him now.”

The officer almost smiled at his misfortune. “If you’d done it online in advance, it would’ve been quicker.”

Robin opened his mouth and closed it. He expected saying that he hadn’t intended to be visiting anyone in New Hall a mere thirty-six hours ago wouldn’t exactly reflect the best on him.

He was about to turn away when a voice boomed from close behind him. “Now, now, Miles, I’m sure we can make an exception.”

The officer, Miles, suddenly came alive. His eyes widened and he sat up straight so violently it looked as if he’d been shot by a Taser. “Sir.”

Robin looked over his shoulder to see a tall, tidy man in a crisp suit standing a little too close to him. His eyes were sharp, and his prickly smile traced by a thin black mustache.

“I’m sure Mr. Ferringham can go and visit who he likes, and we can rush the paperwork through while he’s still in the building. Yes?”

The officer named Miles was as still as a mannequin, looking as if he was trying not to shake. “Of course, sir.” Without taking his eyes from the crisply dressed man, he reached behind himself and found the paperwork. He instantly started clacking at his computer keyboard, obviously happy to tear his eyes from the newcomer.

Robin turned to the man. “Thank you.”

The man had his arms behind his back in a pose that showed off his broad chest. He wore a dazzling red tie with a sparkling tie clip. Robin noticed this most, as it was at his eye level in relation to the man. “Think nothing of it.” He unfurled one of his long arms and offered a hand with equally long fingers. “Roger Claypath.”