"Two days," Corrival said, grumbling without heat at Erskine's amusement. "He's been lying in my deep-freeze in the basement for the last two days. By the way, Bespoke's now Grandma Carey's unnamed other son."

The last was added in afterthought as Corrival moved to the door and opened it, glancing out. Someone was almost always lurking by the corner, 'just in case'; Corrival signalled them down and asked-ordered for another chair before withdrawing into the office again. He left the door open, lingering in the doorway so he could keep an eye on the lackey but turning toward Erskine.

"How's Gabe? You saw him, I assume? And his brother?"