In an ideal world they would have been working harmoniously together to share expertise on magical security issues. The problem was that they disagreed profoundly about nearly every issue. Sometimes they disagreed that there even was an issue. Kenning clearly felt she outranked Walden on any issue with potential demonic involvement. As far as Walden could tell, Kenning’s position was that demons were so dangerous that no one should ever risk doing any magic at all. Which was certainly a view, and she was entitled to hold it; but then why on earth take a job at a school which taught magic?

Walden was winning the Nikki Conway debate, and intended to continue doing so. Kenning was not going to get any benefit from her 10 P.M. ambush.

“As you are no doubt aware, I’m concerned, Dr Walden,” said Kenning. “Perhaps you’re not aware that the best predictor of a serious incursion is the magician’s history? If it happened once, it’s infinitely more likely to happen again. And we both know Nicola wouldn’t even be here if it hadn’t happened once.”

“I’m familiar with the research, yes. The study you’re talking about—”

“—doesn’t control for age, you’re going to say. But caution is never a bad idea. I know Nicola is your star pupil.” (Walden barely resisted grinding her teeth.) “I just think your relationship with her, as her teacher—especially given her family situation—is getting in the way here.”

“Are you questioning my judgement, Marshal?”

Kenning said, “That’s my job.”

A pause. A chill in the room was not a demon—though Walden was almost tempted, just to even things up a bit—but the shared knowledge of an unspoken threat: Kenning could try to go over Walden’s head, to the District Commissioner of the Marshals, or else to the school governors.

It wouldn’t work. Walden would win those arguments too. But it would be extremely annoying to have to attend more meetings.

“I’ve become aware that you’re teaching a practical tomorrow morning,” Kenning said. “Which I should really have known already. May I repeat my request for clear schemes of work, with dates, at the start of term?”

“We do our best, Marshal,” said Walden, “but teachers’ plans seldom resist first contact with the enemy.”

Kenning didn’t even smile. “Nicola must be excluded from that lesson.”

“Request denied,” said Walden, as if it had been a request. “I would much rather Nikki learn advanced invocation where I can see her than try it herself unsupervised.”

“You admit that she might try it unsupervised?”