‘—is whether there’s a way to break the binding before the first hundred days are up. I can look into it but it’s probably an ancient spell and we both know they’re the toughest ones to crack. The good news is I’ve got all the right books lying around here.’

I beamed. ‘Brill.’

‘Bear in mind,’ he cautioned, ‘that this sort of spell sounds like it’s been drawn right out of the Cyphers. In that scenario…’

‘I get it,’ I said. The Cypher Manuscripts are the Bible as far as the Order are concerned. The magic written on their pages is stronger than you’ll find anywhere else. It is essentially primeval; it is enchantment in its rawest form. Fortunately, however, its power is rarely harnessed. Even Second Level Order members have to petition to be allowed access to even one dusty yellowing Cypher page. And I’d heard there were thousands. There was no way that the Order had gone to those lengths for a binding spell, no matter how much they wanted to keep Winter in line. ‘If Cypher magic was used, then all bets are off.’

‘Agreed.’ Iqbal paused. ‘So what do I get in return for helping you?’

Arse. ‘Joy in your heart.’

‘Not enough, Ivy. I need more.’

I scrunched up my face. ‘What do you want?’

Iqbal didn’t hesitate. ‘Karaoke.’

‘You bastard.’

I could virtually hear him grin. ‘Minimum of two hours. At least three songs from you, one of which must be a duet with me.’

‘There must be something else. My life savings? My first-born? Anything?’

‘Those are my terms.’

Damn him. ‘No rap.’ My mouth didn’t work that fast.

‘Done.’

‘And no Sonny and Cher for the duet.’

‘Fine.’ He sounded smug. That had me worried but what choice did I have?

‘Okay. Find the information I need and I’ll do karaoke,’ I said reluctantly.

‘I’m already on it.’

I hesitated then said, ‘Before you go, is there anything in particular I should know about Winter?’

Iqbal was silent for a moment. Finally he spoke. ‘Watch your step. That man is on a mission to rise to the top of the Order and he’ll do almost anything to get there. He was brought up as an army brat in a non-magical family. His father is some military big shot and Raphael was expected to follow in Daddy’s footsteps until his magic showed itself. The family no doubt expects him to rise up the Order ranks as quickly as he would have risen in the army. He’s not a Department Head like most others of his rank but that’s because he knows the fastest way to the top is through Arcane Branch. He’s prepared to bide his time. At least, that’s what the word on the street is.’

I didn’t like the sound of that at all. Ambition always makes me feel rather queasy. ‘Thanks, darling,’ I said. I hung up.

I’d done everything I could for now. Yawning, I rested my head on the arm of the sofa. One of these days I was going to train Brutus to make me mugs of tea. And do the washing up afterwards.