"Drusilla. So that's her name."
Glawen took the poster from the wall.
"I want you to write your signature on her photograph. Then in this blank space, write: "My signature designates the person who distributed Perfection of Joy brochures." Then sign your name again."
"Hm. Will this act involve me in lawsuits, angry correspondence, physical violence?"
"Not at all. Trouble comes when you fail to cooperate with the police."
Arno Rorp winced.
"Please say no more." He wrote as directed.
"Most likely you will hear no more of this," said Glawen.
"In the meantime, please do not mention my inquiries, in case you see this young woman again."
"As you wish, sir."
Glawen and Kirdy set off across the plaza toward the hotel, with the great bland disk of Zonk's Star now low in the west. Zonklight had a curious quality, thought Glawen: pale and soft, yet fluent as if
with the ability to seep around corners and flood into crevices. It also seemed to enhance dark colors: the maroons and umbers, dark greens and indigos, while shadows were blacker than black.
Kirdy showed no disposition to speak; glancing sidelong, Glawen saw Kirdy's face to be set in strong stern lines.
Glawen said: "Finally Ogmo Enterprises has a name."
Kirdy gave a noncommittal grunt.
"I suppose it's no great surprise," said Glawen.
"I've long had a feeling that events were leading in this direction."
"Of course," said Kirdy indifferently.
"I thought you knew all along."
"Did you?"
Kirdy shrugged.
"The affair is over and done with. I say, let it rest in peace."
"That's not the way things happen," said Glawen.
"It's also another reason why I don't want you fraternizing and gossiping with the Mummers. They must not know of our investigation."
"I still don't see what difference it makes."
"You can't be that dense. If Drusilla knows that we can link her with a set of crimes, she'll simply disappear, and we'll never know what she can tell us about her confederates.
Don't forget that she is married to Aries."
Kirdy gave a contemptuous snort.
"Are you accusing Aries as well?"
"Accusations can wait until we return to Araminta Station."
A few steps farther Kirdy made a tentative suggestion: "We could visit the Mummers but still keep a close tongue in our heads."
Glawen sighed.
"If you think that I am mishandling this investigation, make a report to Bodwyn Wook. Until then, you are under my orders, and I have made them absolutely clear.
If you disobey, I will instantly expel you from Bureau B."
"You don't have the authority."
"Just test me out, and see for yourself. You are not so disoriented as to misunderstand the meaning of an official order."
"I don't like official orders."
"Too bad."
"Not really. I've always done what I wanted, official orders or none."
The two walked on in silence. Arriving in the lobby of the Lambervoilles, Glawen made an amicable suggestion: "Let's look into the lounge and try out the virtue of the local ale."
