Almost two hours later, the doors opened again and a gray-haired man strode in, his face lined and serious and his eyes cold. He stopped when he saw Valkyrie, who was sitting on the floor.

"You will stand when I enter the room," he said, barely managing to keep the snarl out of his voice.

Valkyrie had been getting up before he spoke, but as she got to her feet, she kept her mouth shut. This meeting was too important to risk ruining because of something stupid.

15

"Thank you for agreeing to see us," Skulduggery said. "We understand you must be very busy."

"If it were up to me, I wouldn't allow you to waste another moment of my time," Guild said. "But Mr. Bliss continues to vouch for you. It is out of respect for my fellow Elder that you are even here."

"And on that positive note ..." Skulduggery began, but Guild shook his head.

"None of your jokes, Mr. Pleasant. Say what you came here to say and leave the sarcastic comments to one side."

Skulduggery's head tilted slightly. "Very well. Six months ago, while preparing to bring down Baron Vengeous, you fired us over a disagreement. Later that same day, we defeated both Vengeous and the Grotesquery, and the threat they posed was averted. And yet our role in that operation was overlooked."

"You're looking for a reward? I have to say, I'd be disappointed if I didn't already think so little of you. I didn't think money interested someone like you. Or perhaps you'd like a medal?"

"This isn't about a reward."

"Then what is it about?"

16

"Four Teleporters have been murdered in the past month, and you still have no idea who is responsible. You know we should be in on this."

"I'm afraid I can't discuss an ongoing investigation with civilians. I assure you, Detective Crux has matters well in hand."

"Remus Crux is a second-rate detective."

"On the contrary, there is no doubt in my mind that Crux is the best man for the job. I know him and I trust him."

"And how many more people have to die before you realize your mistake?"

Guild's eyes narrowed. "You can't help yourself, can you? You come here, begging for your old job back, and even now you can't help but be insolent. Apparently, the only lesson you've learned since you were last here is how to shut that girl up."

"Bite me," Valkyrie snapped.

"And even at that you fail." Guild sighed.

Valkyrie's anger swirled inside her and she felt herself go red. At the sight of her flushed face, Guild smiled a smug little smile.

"This is a waste of time," Skulduggery said. "You were never going to even consider reinstating us, were you?"

17

"Of course not. You say you were fired over a disagreement. How simple that sounds. How innocent. How innocuous. What a very polite way of saying that you accused me of being a traitor."