"Whatever you need," he says, reminded all over again that he knows close to nothing about the things Palamedes wants to test when they get to Black Elm. Far from being unnerving, there's an excitement to that, a mystery like the ones he's spent his life wanting to chase and understand. Whatever happens, it'll be fascinating.

Palamedes finishes collecting his bag and everything else, and they head out of the apartment and downstairs, out onto the street. Their car here isn't as elegant as the old Mercedes he used to have, without the same sentimental attachment, but it's more than serviceable.