The first words I heard were muffled, both by the box and by a voice distorter, which left the syllables gritty and robotic. «Now, let’s see this surprise that was worth dragging me out here.» I do not speak French, but I hear it often, and Spanish gives me enough of a start to piece the simple stuff together.

«It might have been dangerous bringing it to Your Holiness’s office. I tried to decorate this place to make you feel at home.»

«It’s perfect. All my favorite posters, and the rug’s so cushy.»

«I am a professional.»

«Mmm. That you are.»

The two paused and, from the sound of it, made out. There were two voices, both veiled by distorters. I’m not going to use names. The police promised (in writing) not to use this testimony as evidence against anyone, but the police aren’t so good with that sort of promise. You know which sensayer was promised Sniper in return for handing over the Cousin Carlyle Foster to a certain Blacklaw. If I omit the names then I maintain reasonable doubt.

«Is this the surprise I hope it is?» Hands made the packaging flex.

«If you’ve guessed, it isn’t a surprise.»

I felt clean air on my chest as the box opened. «Oh! Gorgeous…» Hands explored my chest. «It’s real? The real Sniper?»

«I pay my debts, Your Holiness.» Another hand guided the first to test my pulse.

«The real Sniper. That’s really the real Sniper?»

«I’ll give my oath on it, if you doubt.»

«Did you get them to consent?»

«Of course not. I knew you’d want to do that part yourself.»

«Mmm. How did you snatch them? Did you take the Canner Device for a spin?»

«And draw a swarm of Moonmen down upon my head? No, no. Stealth and patience, Your Holiness, stealth and patience.»

Hands lifted my arm, the touch delicate but not gentle. «They’re limp. Are they unconscious?»

«That would be no fun. It’s conscious, just frozen like a doll. It can hear us, and when you unwrap the eyes it’ll be able to see, so make sure your mask stays in place.»

Hands played with my fingers, bending them to test resistance. «How did you do this?»

«The paralysis? A very delicate application of this and that. It’s not my invention; Madame’s had this sort of special request before. It’s not permanent, it needs to be refreshed every few hours, but I can arrange another round if need be.»

«Oh, you’ve outdone yourself! You can have Carlyle! You can have any pawn you want!»

The other laughed. «You deserved a prize today. That imaginary friend you identified from the boy’s drawings was just what I needed, trick worked like a charm.»

«That child you asked advice about, you broke them successfully?»

«Am breaking. No need to rush. I’ve three of his little friends hostage, and you wouldn’t believe what treasures are already flocking to the bait.»

«Little friends? I hope you’re not breaking any Black Laws, harming minors?»