‘Only that she’s a tortured soul. It’s as if her gentle personality is coming into conflict with her anger about her violent death. Consequently, all she does is wail, all day long. Good thing most of us can’t hear it.’ She folded her arms. ‘I have never known Anne to leave Farringdon station. If you’re going to net Metyard, I would go there and keep watch. Wait for her to hunt down her victim.’

Nick nodded. ‘And we have your permission to do that?’

An arch smile played on her lips. ‘I have some conditions.’

‘No conditions.’ Nick never sounded unfriendly, but his tone invited no argument. ‘Didion agreed that Binder would have the right to both spirits in return for—’

Maria cut across him. ‘Vision, I’ve always liked you, but don’t try to pretend that your deal with Didion had any legitimacy – I wasn’t born yesterday. Hector has strong-armed me into accepting the auction house, and I’ve embraced it as best I can – I even bid on spirits myself, when it takes my fancy – but I am mime-queen here, and I’ve never given anyone permission to sell or move Anne Naylor. As both of you are well aware.’

Didion turned up his nose, while Nick dropped his gaze and I tried to look neutral.

‘Now,’ Maria said, softer, ‘I agree that it would be best to keep Hector out of these proceedings. He lives by one rule: follow the money. Sarah Metyard would be worth a significant amount of it, and if he gets involved, none of us will see a penny.’

Nick blew out a breath. ‘Okay, we’re listening. What are your conditions?’

‘This hunt will begin in my territory, so I think it’s only fair that I should be one of the parties that benefits. If you can catch Metyard, Binder transfers ownership to me – but you can claim Anne, free of charge. And nobody says a word to Hector.’

‘Metyard is more valuable.’

‘You have no right to her,’ Maria said. ‘Anne’s a famous spirit. You could sell her for a tidy sum.’

Nick looked frustrated. ‘So we’d essentially be catching Metyard for you. I don’t see how that benefits us. Or what right you have to Metyard, given that she wasn’t found on your turf.’

Ognena Maria smiled. ‘None whatsoever,’ she said, ‘but Anne is on my turf, and she’s your best chance of capturing Metyard. If you don’t agree to my demands, I’m afraid I’ll have to revoke your right to be here. And you’ll walk away with nothing.’

I looked at Nick, who looked none too happy. ‘I’ll need to phone Binder,’ he said.

‘Go ahead. I’ll wait.’

He touched my back before stepping away to make the call, leaving me with the strangers. Voyant strangers.

There was a brief silence.