dearly love to unearth any sort of scandal."
"And they also love to get pictures of people who don't like being
photographed," said Wyrdrune. "They usually manage somehow, don't they? Has
Carfax ever been photographed?"
"Damned if I know," Blood said. "I don't really read the society pages." He
got
up and walked over to the computer. "Jacqueline, can I cadge one of your
cigarettes?"
She offered him the pack.
"Doctor, have you any more of that inexhaustible fairy Scotch of yours?"
"Coming right up, Michael."
"Right, men," said Blood, sitting down. "Archimedes, if I might avail myself
of
your keyboard and modem for a moment?"
"At your service, Chief Inspector," said the computer.
"My sergeant's got a computer terminal with a secure line on his desk," said
Blood, looking at the others. "I'll see if I can't get him to find out a
thing
or two for us...." He started typing. Moments later words appeared on the
screen.
"Chief Inspector? Is that you?"
"It's me. Canny." Blood typed. "How are things over there?"
"How are things? Don't you know? Where have you been, for God's sake?
Everyone's
screaming for you. from the superintendent on down to the press! Haven't you
heard what's happened? Where are you? Why didn't you call? Why are you
contacting me via my terminal?"
"I can't explain now. I've heard all about what's happened, Danny. Don't ask
any
questions. I'm Blood hesitated slightly, then typed, "...undercover. I think
I
may be on to something, but I'll need your help, no questions asked.
Understood?"
"Understood."
"Good man. First: Hyphen-Smythe must immediately stop sending out his decoy
squads. I don't care what he says. Tell him it's a direct order from me. Tell
him I called and told you to tell him that. I have good reason to believe
that
we may be up against a powerful adept, and I'll not lose any more police
officers, is that clear?"
"Yes. sir."
"Good old Shavers," Blood said, watching the screen and smiling. "Right down
to
business, no wasting time with silly questions." He resumed typing.