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After the Captain left, I sat and looked sadly at the spot where Luncardy had been sitting. Finally, I shook my head and took stock of my situation. It seemed I was alone in the world: without parents, without siblings - and certainly without children. Perhaps it had been true for a while, but suddenly I felt the full weight of the loss of - well, of something that had been absent for a very long time already. And without friends? Well, perhaps I shouldn't be be too harsh here. There were a few Goblins - and a few humans, too - who would tolerate my company. Lorny and Arlie didn't count; sure, I could enjoy their most intimate company any time I wanted, although I would certainly end up paying for the privilege one way or another. Luncardy would probably talk to me again, at least professionally. Indeed, she probably owed me a favour; she had acquired yet another gold star on her report: with limited effort and less risk, she had finally put the force's hands on a notorious wanted criminal and several of his henchmen. And the rest? Just professional detachment, surely? It was case closed; ticks in boxes all round. The bad guys locked up with every prospect of them being sent down for a long time. A great success. But would anybody else notice? I opened the deep drawer of the office desk, took out the large bottle of cheap hooch I keep there - for medicinal purpose only, you understand - and stood it on the desk. I looked at it for a long time.
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Part 106