Tissue

Xavier found Euron at the base of the stairwell. The man who had given him his enhanced abilities was an anonymous individual, tall and well-dressed in the sort of suit customarily worn by senior executives in corporate firms. He exuded authority but his icy demeanour implied dissatisfaction about something. Xavier missed the non-verbal clues and made his report with enthusiasm.

‘I have completed all the tasks you gave me. I have gathered up the other sentients and settled them into one location, at the Drivers’ house as we agreed. I separated Jean-Claude from the humans, ascertained the extent of his knowledge about the other clones and determined that he has not communicated any of it to anyone else. I have dealt with him as we planned. I admit it took two attempts, but arguably this way is an improvement on the original plan, since there were no witnesses and the body is unlikely to be found quickly. The Drivers are unaware of your overall plan. Everything is on track.’

The tall man said nothing for two long minutes, apparently processing the information. He took a paper handkerchief from his pocket and used a corner of it to dab at his lapel, where Xavier’s enthusiastic reporting had spattered a little moisture. He folded the edges of the tissue into a ball and dropped it on the floor, with a moue of distaste. Finally he spoke.

‘I dispute some points in your report Xavier. Firstly, you should know the other clones are not, in fact, at the Drivers’ house. I had some operatives call this afternoon to collect them and they were not there. We do not know where they are.’

‘But-’

The man held up his hand.

‘I have not finished.’ Secondly, as you took so long to deal with the Frenchman, I brought forward the negotiations for Mr Driver’s release. However, I now discover he had achieved such a level of rapport with his captors that he may very well have more information than is appropriate - we do not know what he has been told by Osborne and Griffiths’ people. Therefore Joe’s continued existence may now be a risk to my plans.’

‘But-’

‘A moment. There will be time for questions when I have finished.’