'I think I've got some pink socks of my own somewhere.'
'It's a start, my dear. Listen, you've been a star about all this publicity work; I'm very grateful – and so is SpecOps.'
'Grateful enough to post me somewhere other than the Literary Detectives?'
'Well,' murmured Cordelia reflectively, 'first things first. As soon as you've done the Lush interview your transfer application will be aggressively considered, you have my word on that.'
It didn't s
ound terribly promising. Despite the successes at work, I still wanted to move up within the Network. Cordelia took my arm and steered me towards the waiting area.
'Coffee?'
'Thank you.'
'Spot of bother in Auckland?'
'Brontë Federation offshoot caused a bit of trouble,' I explained. 'They didn't like the new ending of Jane Eyre.'
'There'll always be a few malcontents,' observed Flakk. 'Milk?'
'Thanks.'
'Oh,' she said, staring at the milk jug, 'this milk's off. No matter. Listen,' she went on quietly, 'I'd love to stay and watch but some SpecOps 17 clot in Penzance staked a Goth by mistake; it's going to be PR hell on earth down there.'
SO-17 were the vampire and werewolf disposal squad. Despite a new 'three-point' confirmation procedure, a jumpy cadet with a sharpened stake could still spell big trouble.
'Everything is all absolutely hunky-dory here. I've spoken to Adrian Lush and the others so there won't be any embarrassments.'
'Others?' I asked, suddenly suspicious. 'Embarrassments? What did you have in mind?'
Cordelia threw me a pained expression.
'New orders Thursdaysweetydarling. Believe me, I'm as annoyed as you are.'
She didn't look it.
'No holds barred, eh?' I grimaced, but Flakk was unapologetic.
'Needs must, Thursday. SpecOps requires your support in these difficult times. President Formby has called for an inquiry into whether SpecOps are value for money – or even necessary at all.'
'Okay,' I agreed, 'but this is the very last interview, yes?'
'Of course,' agreed Flakk a little too quickly, then added in an overdramatic manner, 'Oh my goodness, is that the time? I have to catch the airship to Barnstaple in an hour. This is Adie; she'll be looking after you and … and' – here Cordelia leaned just a little bit closer – 'remember you're SpecOps, darling!'
She nodded, told me she would see me later and then took to her heels in a cloud of expensive scent.
'How could I forget?' I muttered as a bouncy girl clutching a clipboard appeared from where she had been waiting respectfully out of earshot.
'Hi!' squeaked the girl, 'I'm Adie. So pleased to meet you!'
She grasped my hand and told me repeatedly what a fantastic honour it was.
'I don't want to bug you or anything,' she said shyly, 'but was Edward Rochester really drop-dead gorgeous to die for?'
'Not handsome,' I answered as I watched Flakk slink off down the corridor, 'but certainly attractive. Tall, deep voice and glowering looks, if you know the type.'
Adie turned a deep shade of pink.