‘Excellent. Then you shall,’ Jaxon said, and went on smoothly before Nick could contest the decision. ‘Be quick. Once word spreads that Metyard is on the move, others will come for her. Try not to attract any untoward attention from Scion.’

‘We’ll give Didion your regards.’ Nick slung his coat over his shoulder. ‘Ready, Paige?’

I was already on my feet.

‘When you have her,’ Jaxon said, ‘I will bind her once and for all.’ He extinguished his cigarillo. ‘Go.’

As soon as we were out of his office, I dashed into my room and rummaged through the wardrobe. At last, at last I could be useful. Jaxon would be asking Nick how I conducted myself on this assignment, and I meant for him to give a good report. If I did well, I might never have to be on desk duty again – the streets of London would be my new workplace.

I wasn’t exactly fashionable on the best of days, but now I rootled through my clothes with a critical eye, trying to work out what would achieve the perfect balance between low-key, elegant and intimidating. Eventually I went for a ruffled white blouse, a double-breasted burgundy jacket with a hood, and black trousers. A little on the safe side, but I was a newcomer. Best to be understated. I laced my boots and faced the mirror. A serious, grey-eyed young woman looked back.

I considered my reflection, judging my anonymity. My main fear was that, through some infuriating twist of fate, my father would see me and ask questions. Even from a distance, my hair – white-blonde and curly – would give me away. I covered it with the hood and draped a scarf around my neck, ready to lift it over my face if necessary.

A knock came at the door. Nick was outside, clad in his heavy coat and a scarf that covered his nose and mouth.

‘Looking fierce,’ he said, eyes shining.

I smoothed the front of my jacket, embarrassed. ‘Am I weird to be concerned about this?’

‘Not at all. Your image is as integral to your reputation as your actions.’ I followed close behind him as he went down the stairs. ‘Stay by the phone, Eliza,’ he called. ‘No coffee runs.’

Her voice floated back from the office: ‘You’re a cruel man, Nicklas Nygård.’

Jaxon had emerged from his office to see us off. He waited for us in the hallway.

‘Paige,’ he said, looking me up and down. ‘Let us hope that you will dazzle us with your talents this evening.’

‘I’ll do my best.’

‘I expect you will.’ A smile hung on his lips, but didn’t reach his eyes – they were steely as ever. ‘Enjoy your first assignment, but remember: in this citadel, you are an extension of me. You speak with my voice. With that in mind, I expect you always to act in my best interests, and in the best interests of the Seven Seals.’