Crispin

[alt_lucius]

Contact Mariposa and ask her to cancel Narcissa's in-office appointments to-day - and inform Celia Harkiss that she ought to select an appropriate archival column for the next issue. Do not have Mariposa cancel the appointments at the Manor this afternoon; only those in Town.

And clear my calendar through Court. Everything can be pushed to next week. I shall be home but available.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

I hope the two of you are not unwell.

[alt_lucius]

Not at all, thank you. My wife had a ... mild bout with insomnia last night. Over-extended, I think, and putting too much strain on herself, as usual, to prepare for the social events of the summer.

She simply needed a few hours' sleep and the lightening of some of her obligations, so I offered to undertake some of the tasks for her while she caught up on her rest.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'm very glad to hear that it's nothing more dire. You've had an extraordinarily full and pressured several weeks, so I suppose it's no surprise it should be taking a toll. I'm sorry, nonetheless, and if there is any way I could offer assistance, please say.

[alt_narcissa]

I'm fine. Really, I just needed a day. I hope I didn't inconvenience you, at least.

And it's good of you to offer, Barty, but I'm not sure which of the two of you are less suited to plan a thirteen-year-old's birthday party, the Daughters of the Protectorate luncheon and reception or any of the other functions I have somehow allowed to be added to my roster. At the time I clearly thought they would none of them be much trouble but now - it seems there is simply too much and too close together to arrange all of them properly.

It's really no wonder I could not compose a decent column on top of everything else. Of course, seeing the extraordinary claims which that horrid man seems determined to make, despite the slander it means to his own bloodline - well, that does nothing to alleviate the stress.

So I suppose there is that one thing you could do, if you'd be so kind.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'm glad to hear it.

Every day brings us a step closer to closing the net around Black and his associates. There are a number of individuals who will soon regret their association with him--and several who have recently learned to their cost and our profit what it means to have aided and abetted his treason.

[alt_lucius]

What's this? You've made an inroad to the brigand's network? Well done, indeed.

ORDER ONLY

[alt_alice]

I don't like the sound of this, Sirius, love. Have all your employees checked in recently?

Re: ORDER ONLY

[alt_sirius]

I heard from Marguerite just a day or two ago, and Aleks at last report was trying to scour Stuttgart for Phizz Tablets and a particular mustardseed he swears is the 'best in the world.'

Fatima hasn't left Cairo so far as I know, since we were there last.

And Sabola, while not an employee - I can't imagine he's in any difficulty.

Besides, after what happened to Archer, I made sure anything linked to Laszlo or the Order would go up in flames if they were removed by anyone but me. I'm not sure what Crouch is on about.

Re: ORDER ONLY

[alt_alice]

It's the 'recently learned' bit that has me worried. Like they've already done something horrible to someone, only we haven't heard it yet.

Bill, has your network picked up on anything?

Re: ORDER ONLY

[alt_bill]

Blast. No. I'll make the rounds of the analysts tomorrow, doublecheck to see if anyone's picked up anything more.