"I'm not afraid of Spanchetta." He spoke into the mesh.
"Who's in the office? I need an experienced man, large, tough, quick on his feet and lacking all fear. Who is available?"
"Sorry, sir. There's no one in the office now except Cadet Glawen Clattuc."
Bodwyn Wook looked sidewise at Scharde.
"Glawen, eh? He'll do admirably. Have him report to my office in uniform, at once."
Bodwyn Wook, Scharde and Glawen presented themselves at the door to the apartment in Clattuc House occupied by Minis, Spanchetta and Aries. Bodwyn Wook touched the call button, and a footman admitted them to the foyer: an octagonal chamber furnished with a central octagonal settee upholstered in green silk. Four alcoves displayed four fine cinnabar urns in which bouquets of glass flowers had been carefully arranged. At the end of the room, a pedestal carved of black chert supported a silver censer from which smoldering incense sent a wavering ribbon of smoke into the air.
Bodwyn Wook looked critically around the room.
"I find this neoclassic romanticism a bit overwhelming. No doubt it is the preference of Minis. I am told that Spanchetta's tastes are simple and modest."
"That would be my guess," said Scharde.
"A pity we won't have the pleasure of seeing Spanchetta today," said Bodwyn Wook.
"But there may be another occasion soon, should Aries be executed."
Spanchetta swept into the room, still wearing her morning gown of ruffled and pleated lilac satin, with slippers of pink fluff. Her tumultuous masses of dark curls were constrained in a lace cylinder which let a number of vagrant ringlets overflow the top. She looked from face to face.
"What is all this hurly-burly? Bodwyn Wook. Scharde. And who is that? Glawen? In a uniform? An imposing group of dignitaries."
Bodwyn Wook performed a curt bow.
"I fear that there has been a mistake; we asked for Aries."
"Aries is resting. What is the problem?"
"Principally, it seems to be that when we ask to see Aries, you appear."
"What of that? I am his mother."
"Just so. Still, as our uniforms indicate, we are here in an official capacity and in fact are investigating the murder of Sessily Veder."
Spanchetta threw back her head and half lowered her heavy eyelids.
"Murder? Must you use that dreadful word when the case has not yet been proved? I have had it on excellent authority that she simply skipped away with an off-world lover, in a most irresponsible fashion. In any event, the case cannot conceivably concern Aries."
"This is what we hope to establish. Please bring him here, instantly, or I will ask Sergeant Glawen Clattuc to bring him out by force, if necessary."
Spanchetta gave Glawen a glacial glare, then said: "That will not be necessary. I will see if he wants to talk to you." She swung about and departed the room.
Ten minutes passed, during which Spanchetta's passionate contralto and Aries' grumbling tones could faintly be heard through the walls.
At last Aries shuffled into the room, wearing a brown day gown and red leather slippers of extravagant cut. For a moment he hesitated in the doorway, looking from face to face, then was impelled forward by Spanchetta.
Bodwyn Wook said: "I suggest that we remove into the parlor, where we can ask our questions in greater comfort."
"Come," said Spanchetta curtly, and led the way into the adjoining parlor.
"This will do nicely," said Bodwyn Wook.
"Aries, sit yonder if you will. Spanchetta, we will need you no longer: you may go."
"Just a moment!" snapped Spanchetta.
"Of what is Aries accused?"
"At the moment there are no charges. Aries, if you wish, you may have Fratano present, or another adviser, or even your mother; or you may choose to speak to us alone or, finally, simply refuse to talk. In the latter case, you will be taken into custody, charged and prosecuted."
"On what grounds?" cried Spanchetta.
"I demand to know!"
"Oh--no doubt we can scratch up something. Aries, have you any ideas?"
Aries licked his heavy lips and looked sidewise toward his mother. In a peevish voice he said: "I don't need anyone's advice. I prefer to talk to you alone."
Spanchetta finally departed and Scharde closed the door behind her.
"Now, then," said Bodwyn Wook, "answer our questions simply, directly and without evasion. You are not required to inculpate yourself, but you must report the guilt of any other person. To begin with:
do you know who killed Sessily Veder?"
"Of course not!"
