“We rescued the queen,” Winter said as they climbed the stairs to the less crowded second story of the building. “And captured the President of the Directory. I hope that counts for something?”

“It might.” A smile broke through Abby’s stormy expression. “That’s for the general to decide.”

“Captain!” someone shouted from below. “Captain Giforte!”

“Duty calls,” Abby said. “Janus is using the office at the end of the hall. When you’re done, I’m going to want a full account, so be ready.”

The second story was mostly offices, separated from one another by thin partitions. For the most part, they were dark and silent, but lamps glowed at the end of one corridor, and Winter could see a musket-bearing sentry waiting in front of the door. It was good to see that Janus was taking his own security seriously, even in friendly territory. Winter walked over, and the guard, a woman she knew vaguely, offered a salute.

“Sir,” she said. “I’m sorry, but the general has instructed me to admit no one.”

“He wanted to see me as soon as possible,” Winter said. “Can you tell him I’m here?”

“I have specific orders he’s not to be disturbed, sir.” The sentry looked nervous, which Winter supposed was understandable. It’s never easy to say no to your commanding officer. She put on what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

“It’s all right. I’ll wait, then.” The door to the next office over stood open, and through it Winter could see a pair of heavy leather armchairs. All the weariness of the past few hours seemed to descend on her at once, and her legs felt as sturdy as cooked noodles. “I’ll be in here. Let me know when he’s ready.”

The sentry looked as though she was about to object, but kept silent. Winter sat down, gratefully, in one of the chairs, sinking into the overstuffed leather cushions. Cuts and bruises all over her body were making themselves felt. A bath, she decided. I need a bath. She held up her arm, where blood had matted her sleeve. And maybe a few stitches. I think Abby has the right idea. No more leading from the front . . .

She leaned back, head bumping against the back wall of the office. As she did, she realized she could hear voices from the next office over, muffled but audible.

“. . . is it that you want?” That was Janus. Winter straightened up, not wanting to eavesdrop, but the next voice froze her in her seat. Even through the wall, it was intimately familiar.

“I want you to let Winter go.”

Jane.

*   *   *

“Let her go?” Janus said. “I wasn’t aware I was keeping Colonel Ihernglass against her will.”