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Just at that moment, Campsie pushed her way into the office. Duncrub was out of his chair and crouched in a firing position with commendable speed, a large automatic having materialised in his hands seemingly without even having reached into his pocket. Campsie had a naturally quiet walk, I had noticed before - a boon in the PI business, I guess - and even I had barely heard her movements on the way up the stairs. There's a reason my desk faces the door, you know: Goblin ears are large and slightly prehensile, but rather more sensitive from the front. And of course I know exactly what sounds are made by people approaching the office door; I've been in these offices a long time now. "Put it away, Agent Duncrub," I growled. My own heater was levelled at Duncrub's head. I'd even managed to avoid spilling the coffee when I drew the thing from the holster under my arm. There was a beat, a moment of stillness and silence, then I heard his safely snick back on and the automatic disappeared inside his coat as fast as it had appeared. Campsie, to her credit, hadn't screamed at the sudden appearance of all the ironmongery, although she did look a bit confused and a more than a little angry. I put my own weapon away at a more measured pace, not moving my eyes from Duncrub the entire time. "Miss Burnside," Duncrub said, almost purring, "My sincere apologies for having startled you." He didn't sound particularly sincere. Mind you, given the speed with which he had reacted to her entry, there was little doubt in my mind that he was exactly what he claimed to be. "Agent Duncrub here has expressed an interest in aspects of our investigation," I explained to Campsie, "Although he seems to know rather a lot about it already." Campsie let out a breath, her eyes not leaving Duncrub for an instant. "Show Miss Burnside your card, would you?" I suggested. Duncrub stood up slowly and pulled his ID from his pocket, holding it at arm’s length for Campsie to read. "Okay," she said, still sounding understandably grumpy, "So why are you interested in our investigation, then?" A good question. As expected, Duncrub didn't provide an answer. "I can't tell you that," he said smoothly, returning to his previous seat. Campsie slid into the other chair, clutching her bag tightly as if for protection. "Well, now that Miss Burnside is here," I said pleasantly, addressing Duncrub but really just trying to thaw the atmosphere a little, "Perhaps she can tell you about our chat with Miss Fordun yesterday."
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Part 33