‘That was rather clever of me to come up with that, wasn’t it?’

He sighed. ‘Ivy…’

I reached up on my tiptoes and slapped him in the face.

‘What the hell?’ He spun towards me.

‘Is that enough?’ I enquired.

‘Now everyone is looking at us!’

‘They were looking at us before. They’re just not hiding the fact any more.’ My eyes danced but I kept a stern frown on my face just for show. Then I raised my voice. ‘The Order should have sent someone else. You shouldn’t be here, Adeptus Exemptus. It’s a conflict of interest.’

‘Don’t be too enthusiastic with your protests,’ he growled, ‘or Enchantment will demand someone else takes my place.’

‘And the Ipsissimus will ignore them. They can’t dictate who is here.’ For good measure, I raised my hand to slap him again. This time he was prepared and caught my hand before it connected with his cheek. ‘Stop that!’

I leant forward, hoping it looked like I was demanding he release me at once. ‘The vial I told you about that’s around Belinda Battenapple’s neck,’ I said, keeping my voice low. ‘There’s definitely something fishy about it. I quizzed Moonbeam and he couldn’t wait to change the subject. It’s definitely worth investigating.’

Winter let go of my hand. ‘Investigate it then.’

I crossed my arms. ‘You’re the Order rep around here. I’m just the hired help.’

‘They won’t let me get close to her,’ he muttered. ‘I think they’re afraid my presence might sully her reputation. If an Order investigator is seen talking to her, word will get out and—’

‘And it’ll be all over the press.’ I wrinkled my nose. ‘That’s annoying. I guess that yet again I’ll just have to do your job for you.’

‘I’ve told you before not to be overly reckless, Ivy.’

Pah. ‘I’m not reckless,’ I informed him. ‘I just don’t see why you always have to take the long way round when there are shortcuts.’

‘If you get hurt…’ His voice trailed off.

I met his eyes. ‘What? Would you be upset?’

Winter took a deep breath. ‘Of course I would be.’

‘Is there a problem here?’ Barry shouldered his way between us and glared at Winter as if he’d compromised my honour.

‘Everything’s fine,’ I snapped. ‘I just hate having this man around.’

Barry pulled back his shoulders. ‘Leave Ivy alone,’ he said to Winter. ‘She’s not with the Order and she’s no concern of yours.’

I raised an eyebrow. It was rather sweet of Barry to come to my defence like that. Winter nudged me with his elbow as if in warning, so I did my best to play my part. ‘Yeah, Adeptus,’ I said. ‘I’ve got nothing to do with you any longer.’

‘As long as you’re on this television show, Ms Wilde,’ Winter said with what I thought was a tad too much sneer even for Barry’s benefit, ‘then you’re my concern. Everyone here is my concern. Magic is not something to be played with like a toy.’