"But vampires aren't very subtle," Skulduggery mused out loud. "The Engine could potentially be carried in someone's pocket. Scarab is the sort of man who goes for subtle. Assassins usually are. The question isn't why he's bothering with the Engine, it's what he's planning to blow up, and what possible benefit he thinks it will bring. China, you haven't heard anything, have you?"

China sighed and shook her head. The sigh sounded slightly theatrical, but she looked just frustrated enough to be telling the truth.

That also begged the question of what Dusk was doing, carrying out Scarab's dirty work. The vampire didn't have a particular grudge against the Sanctuary, as far as Skulduggery knew. But who could fathom the strange depths of vampires' minds and motives? Maybe he was still as angry over the whole razor business as Sanguine was.

"If you want my advice - " China started.

"We don't," Skulduggery assured her.

The corner of her smile twitched - in amusement or annoyance, it was hard to say. "Just sit back and let things play out. Take some time off. Try and recover from your grueling experiences abroad."

"And let God-knows-how-many people die?" Skulduggery shook his own skull. "You know me better than that, China. Thank you for your help, as always." He started towards the door.

"Well, I was going to suggest letting these so-called angels handle it," China sighed. "But if you're so confident you can do better, don't let me stop you."

Skulduggery froze. No. There was no way. China was good, but she wasn't... impossibly good.