Private Message to Lucius and Bella

[alt_antonin]

Dearests --

Have spent last several hours with this afternoon's messenger -- she appears to have been chosen to carry their offer of surrender precisely because she knows very little operational detail, but further interrogation has left me with a small but unshakeable suspicion there is something deeper going on.

Bella: at earliest convenience can you send a runner to turn up MacDermott's confessional record from Sunday? It has gone missing and I would like to cross-check its detail: what he said about the device in Loughrea has been contradicted by our newest guest and at least one other, for instance. And as soon as you have restocked the Veritaserum, please send that as well, as it may come to that if I'm unable to place what is bothering me so strongly.

At the moment, can only recommend you stall until Saturday at least, using whatever pretext necessary. Sandoval-Pennifold is playing Bad Auror with the prisoner (very well -- we have been switching roles all day) while I try to chase this nagging feeling to ground.

--T

Comments

Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_lucius]

Tosha,

Have sent the messenger back with the terms of cease-curse to be met in 72 hours. If you suspect MacDermott's testimony, leave instruction with the juniors which details you wish double-checked, and go get some sleep. You'll read them over yourself, of course but you need not rivet yourself to them tonight.

Has Pettworth been to see you yet? Sent him word to have a look at you two hours ago; hoped he would pay more heed to the request. It's no good pushing yourself into relapse, results or no.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_antonin]

If you are willing to delay, that is all I need to feel confident in taking some rest -- truly, I am not trying to exhaust myself, but my suspicions have not yet crystallised, and I am all too aware many might consider them a case of the vapours. I should have had more faith that you, at least, would give me the benefit of the doubt, dearest. And yes, that should be enough time; if I cannot find the root of my nagging feeling by Sunday evening I will happily admit I am likely imagining things.

Pettworth was by an hour ago; he made clucking noises about the tremors and tried to order me to sleep, but agreed I would likely not do long-term harm to my recovery as it stands, so long as I minimise physical exertions. (Which continues to be the only thing keeping me from being out there in the thick of things -- something I am deeply unhappy about. Monday night was the first time I have felt fully myself in longer than I'd care to think about.) I will obey his dictates, about the sleep at least, once I have finished giving orders.

Dammit, I know there is something I am missing. I may sit someone down in the morning and talk at them for half an hour to see if explaining to someone else makes it come clear for me. If there's anyone you need to have briefed, send them over; might as well kill two jarveys with one spear-cast.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_lucius]

Would I do?

In all seriousness, will send likely candidates. However, would be pleased to breakfast with you and we may perhaps offer each other assistance with our assigned briefs.

But for now, you had best to bed.

And me as well. We shall leave the pointless insomnia to our Bellatrix.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_antonin]

That sounds delightful, actually. You are one of the few people I would trust to be able to offer helpful suggestions rather than simply a listening ear. (Not to mention, one of the few people I would not mind looking the fool in front of if I am completely off my broom.) Shall we say seven? Or earlier?

(And ah, Bella. It is comforting to know that some things never change.)

Sweet dreams, dearest. Or, at very least, quiet ones.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_lucius]

Half-six would

Seven. Done.

Rest well, my brother.

[alt_bellatrix]

Really, Tosha. Is there no trainee or underling at your disposal that you could make your little requests to?

[alt_antonin]

I simply do not wish to usurp your authority, my dear.

[alt_bellatrix]

Looks as if I'll be taking up a secretary.

Temporarily, that is. Whatever damage has been done to Yaxley's head had better be fixed - and soon.