‘So?’ Delia said.

Vivian turned her back on the building and flicked her scarf over her shoulder with a little more force than was necessary.

‘So,’ she said grimly. ‘I think it’s time we were a little more direct.’

Chapter 30

‘So, y’know, curses be upon ye if ye haven’t got my permission to watch this. Okay?’

The same tattooed head, the same voice. It was the man in the bed, but with his batteries in properly: a shine to his eyes, a vigour in his movements, an eagerness as he leant in to the screen, looking at least ten years younger, healthy, tanned.

Thea had immediately powered up an internet-free laptop, one that the guard had been using to watch DVDs, and shoved the memory stick in. She was reluctant to wake Ethan if he was actually getting some rest, but too impatient to wait until morning. Shoving earphones in, she clicked on the first file that came up: a video diary.

‘Obviously filming this for posterity. Once I’ve perfected the tech and the world has been immeasurably improved just by sleeping, I’ll be able to sell this at auction and become so rich I won’t be able to decide which super-yacht to use.’

Someone sniggered in the background.

‘A good scientist always keeps a record. Also, I’m really vain. You’d agree with that, yeah, Max?’

Again the muffled voice.

‘Agreed. So. Tech is amazing, right? We love it. We’re in the Age of the Tech Nerd. Founding member right here, obviously. But more and more, right, I’ve been thinking about the tech we have always had. Yep. That’s right, the human body. And it’s not just amazing this body of ours, it’s absolutely astounding. Particularly, the brain. Final-frontier stuff, man, working out how the brain does what it does.’

He tapped out a little rhythm on his knees. Behind him, Thea could see a living room, a huge floor-to-ceiling window looking out at some city skyline, tasteful furniture in whites and beiges partially obscured by a glass-brick partition.

‘Like the new look?’ He angled his head down so the camera could get a better view of the tattoo. ‘Max doesn’t. Says I look like a freak-show act. Side note: really painful, guys, and illegal in this country, so, y’know, don’t try this at home, kids!’

He leant back in his chair and steepled his fingers.