‘I’ve never thought about it much myself,’ he replied. ‘I know the edicts, the directives, but I’ve always found life quite challenging enough without believing in… in supernatural forces. I guess I’m like you. I never thought it was real.’

‘It’s what the ordos deal with,’ she said, unwrapping some dressings.

‘I always thought the ordos were autonomous secret police,’ he said. ‘You know, enforcing order, maintaining the Imperial Truth. All that talk of daemonic forces, just propaganda to keep us all scared and in line.’

‘Well, the Inquisition is here,’ she said, ‘so I suppose we’re dumb for not taking it seriously.’

‘Is it?’ he asked.

‘What do you mean?’ she asked.

Drusher shrugged his shoulders.

‘I’ve been thinking about things,’ he said. ‘About all of this. You said they needed me because I was the only magos biologis on Gershom. Not that I was the best, just that I was the only one–’

‘Oh don’t start over,’ she sighed.

‘No, hear me out,’ he replied. ‘This isn’t self-pity. I may well be the only magos biologis here. Good or bad. But think about the case. This Eisenhorn has a ship. A crew. Significant resources. Technical specialists like that Jaff woman. He hears about the case here from off-world. He knows one of the victims is this woman he claims to know. He comes here. That’s shift travel. A commitment of time and expense. But before he set out for Gershom, he knew the victim – all the victims – had been mauled by animals. That was an established part of the case. He knew he’d need an expert. So, I’m wondering, why didn’t he bring one?’

She didn’t answer.

‘I mean, the ordo must have plenty of specialists on staff,’ he went on. ‘Consultants they can call on at the drop of hat. But he didn’t bring one.’

‘Well, he thought he’d find one here.’

‘Yeah, a crappy one like me? If he got here and realised he needed specialist help, why didn’t he signal to the ordos to send someone? Someone really good?’

‘Like you said, Drusher, time. Time and expense.’

He shook his head.

‘I don’t buy it,’ he said. ‘He comes unprepared, and he makes do with a has-been like me. Don’t look at me like that. I know I’m no great shakes, Germaine. I’m not that deluded. But he makes do.’

‘The hell are you suggesting, Valentin?’ she asked.

‘I’m saying, maybe he’s not as connected as he wants us to think,’ said Drusher. ‘He and Voriet can flash all the badges they like, and pretend to be all sorts of important things, but what if this isn’t legitimate at all?’

‘You mean… you don’t think they’re from the ordos?’