Baines snorted. “I should think that’s an easy prediction to make. A storm in these northern climes in winter?”

Leo opened his eyes wide. “No. This storm is different.”

“Really. You should try some other act,” Baines said.

“It’s coming,” Leo said, plaintive. Isaac exchanged a supportive glance with Leo, who gave him a little awkward smile back.

“What about you?” Baines said, pointing his crop at Isaac. “You don’t have anything to say?”

Isaac shrank away, shaking his head. The pendant against his chest began to vibrate with a low hum. He pressed his hand to it, trying to quiet it. “I do not . . .” he began.

At that moment Kat, her hand in her pocket, her voice low and commanding, said out of the blue, “Haud yer wheesht!”

Baines’s eyes went blank. Then he stuck out his tongue and reached up and took it between his thumb and forefinger.

Amelie and Willow both burst out laughing. Leo said, “Golly!”

Isaac turned to Kat, the hum still filling his head, not sure whether to laugh or be shocked. “What did you do?” he asked.

Kat made a face. “He’s bloody ridiculous, so I just wanted to see him that way.” Then she said soberly, “All right. That’s enough of that.”

Baines blinked and dropped his hand. “Where was I?” His eyes narrowed, and he went on. “Right. It’s quite clear that this is all a great hoax. Waste of resources. There’s no such nonsense as magic. I’ll recommend commandeering this castle for our forces. We need another military outpost in Scotland. You children will be sent home and back to regular school at once, as soon as I’ve completed my paperwork.” He pointed at the small parlor that stood off the front hall. “I shall set myself up in there. Mr. Falstone, you will assist me. Falstone.” He paused. “Is your father perhaps Bernard Falstone, with the home office?”

Leo nodded miserably.

“Well, well.” Baines smiled at Leo, suddenly warm, all teeth. “Terribly sorry about the comment about your . . . prediction. A storm could very well be on its way. I’m certain your father will be happy to see you home and away from this nonsense.”

Leo smiled faintly, clearly not happy about the prospect of returning home himself.

Baines moved away, Leo trailing. Kat turned to Amelie and Isaac and said, “He doesn’t believe in magic? What is going on at MI-Six?” She grimaced. “If only Papa wasn’t away on one of his missions.” She looked at Isaac. “Our father is with MI-Six, and he understands what we’re doing here. He’d take care of this.” She went on, “This silly Baines could seriously damage our mission, and we can’t let him.”

“What do we do?” Amelie asked.

“I’m going to check on Colin,” Kat said. “And then we can decide our next move. Meet me in the small library in ten minutes.”

*   *   *