Rook

there was little to no chance of stopping her.
    “Perhaps I should have let them do nothing because they proved so capable of
that
when Gestalt was strangling the staff.” Myfanwy waved her hands in the air, shaking her head so violently that her hair tumbled out of its clip. Ingrid reached out and removed the dangling clip from her hair.
    “Those obnoxious twits! Thanks, Ingrid. Who do they think they are?” Myfanwy ended.
    “Well, they
thought
they were the Rookery section leaders, the elite, the most trusted and powerful of the executives,” said Ingrid dryly. “But you’ve probably disabused them of
that
notion.”
    “Whatever,” said Myfanwy. Her spleen now completely vented, she put a hand out against the wall and leaned forward, panting, her head bowed. There was a reflective pause.
    “Of course, it’s not entirely unexpected,” Ingrid said quietly. Myfanwy looked up from her leaning position.
    “I beg your pardon?” she asked. The older woman was looking straight ahead, deliberately not making eye contact.
    “Rook Thomas, you know I have never commented on the way you conduct yourself,” Ingrid began.
    “Oh… um, yes. I’ve always appreciated that,” said Myfanwy, trying to conceal the fact that she had no idea if it was true.
    “And of course you know that I hold your professional abilities in the highest regard. So please don’t be offended…” Ingrid paused, and Myfanwy waited. “Please don’t be offended when I say that you have never taken a dominant role in commanding the Checquy.”
    “Oh, that’s it? Gosh, I’m totally not offended by
that,
” Myfanwy said dismissively as the lift doors opened.
    “Are you certain?” Ingrid asked.
What does she think I’m going to do, go fetal on the floor?
Myfanwy wondered.
    “Yeah, no problem. Now, what’s the rest of the day look like?” Suddenly she was ready and raring to go. She felt as if she’d drunk six cups of coffee. Ingrid was looking at her strangely. “What? Come on! Meetings, et cetera. Didn’t I have some sort of meeting with the security… boss… guy?”
    “Not until three,” said Ingrid. “Did you still want to go out tolunch? I had to cancel your reservation, but I could see if they have an opening.”
    “No, I loaded up on cheese and strawberries at the interrogation. What are you doing right now?”
    “Me?” Ingrid asked, looking startled.
    “Yes, I want to hear your thoughts on what we just saw,” Myfanwy said enthusiastically. “Did you think I brought you along for kicks? That was a classic date, with snacks and a show, and now I expect you to deliver the goods. We’ll order some afternoon tea, and you’ll give me your critique.”
And hopefully I’ll find out what in God’s name that poor guy choked out, the thing that made everybody else gasp as if he’d revealed he was the heir to the throne in disguise.
    “Well, that would be very pleasant,” said Ingrid. “Give me a few minutes to get it all arranged.”
    “Fine,” said Myfanwy as they entered the office. “I have a couple of things I need to take care of as well.” There were a number of readings she wanted to look over, and unless she was mistaken, her brief look in the desk cupboard had revealed a mini-refrigerator.
I hope Thomas had the good sense to keep the minibar stocked
.
    Twenty minutes later, Myfanwy had taken a break from reading and was cheerfully contemplating a Toblerone when Ingrid entered, looking apologetic.
    “Rook Gestalt is here to see you, ma’am,” said Ingrid.
    “Oh. Goody. Well, wait one second,” Myfanwy said, somewhat dispirited. She composed herself, flipped her hair back out of her face, and straightened her coat. “Do I look all right? Professional?” Ingrid nodded dubiously and turned to welcome Gestalt. Myfanwy fixed a look of calm on her face and then quickly snatched the chocolate off the desk. The twins filed in and took their seats on what, judging from the way they kept shifting awkwardly, Myfanwy could only conclude were her deliberately uncomfortable chairs.
    “Gestalt. Hello.” There was another one of those long expectant pauses. “Toblerone?” she offered finally.

7
     
    Dear You,
    So, I told you how Farrier and Wattleman acquired me from my parents. They had just ushered a very shaken Mr. Thomas out of the building and were now faced with the prospect of a little girl who was smeared liberally with both tears and chocolate. Morning tea was finished, and Farrier and Wattleman