The Central Records Library was situated behind a brown door on the twenty-second floor of the Bureau. Lapsewood had held a post as librarian’s assistant there when he had first began work at the Bureau, so he knew that providing he acted quickly and confidently, it was possible to get out with the list without arousing suspicion.
The problem was getting in.
Outside the door stood an Enforcer with half his head missing, revealing a brain that had not been especially large even when it had been complete. Lapsewood and the Marquis peered round the corner at him. Hoofmarks on what remained of his face indicated that he had been trampled to death.
‘We can’t get past him without permission papers,’ said Lapsewood.
‘I will distract him,’ said the Marquis. ‘As soon as you see his back turned, turn to Ether Dust and slip through the door.’
‘What are you going to do?’ Lapsewood asked, nervously wondering whether the Marquis was any more adept at getting into places than he was at breaking out of them.
The Marquis smiled and winked. ‘I have a few tricks up my sleeve.’
‘But if he discovers that you’re a Rogue ghost you’ll be taken straight back to the Vault.’
‘True. Valour requires jeopardy, my boy. For when the jaws of danger snap—’
‘Again, shall we save the speeches?’ Lapsewood interrupted.
‘Yes,’ said the Marquis. ‘Perhaps you’re right.’
The Marquis pushed back his shoulders, puffed out his chest and marched around the corner. ‘Stand to attention when your superior approaches,’ he barked.
‘Yes, sir,’ said the Enforcer, saluting.
‘That’s better. Now, I have some rather good news for you, Enforcer . . . er . . .’
‘Bloom, sir. Enforcer Bloom.’
‘That’s right,’ said the Marquis. ‘We in upper management are on a recruitment hunt. We’re looking for fresh talent to move up the ranks. And you, Bloom, have come to our attention.’
‘Have I, sir?’
‘Oh yes. How long have you been guarding this door now?’
‘I’m not sure, sir.’
‘During your time you’ve shown aptitude, initiative, intuitive instincts and exceptional cognitive reasoning.’
‘Really?’ asked the Enforcer, scratching an exposed part of his brain.
‘You have. How do you feel about a nice comfortable desk job?’
‘I like this job, sir.’
‘Standing in front of a door? That’s no role for a man of your abilities.’
‘Isn’t it?’
‘No, and besides, this is an order from on high.’ The Marquis spoke sternly. ‘If you have a problem with the decision you can take it up with Admiral Hardknuckle. Now, run along. I’ll stand guard of the door until your replacement turns up.’
‘But—’
‘Come on, man, get a move on before I have you court-martialled for disobeying an order.’
‘Yes, sir.’
Enforcer Bloom did as he was told. He marched around the corner and walked straight into Lapsewood. ‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going.’
‘No, no, it was my fault,’ replied Lapsewood.
Enforcer Bloom hurried down the corridor and Lapsewood joined the Marquis. ‘That was excellently done,’ he said.
‘When it comes to deception one must pander to the target’s vanities. Give them no opportunity to question the assertions you make. For it only takes—’
‘Marquis,’ interrupted Lapsewood. ‘It won’t take him long to discover there’s no desk job waiting for him.’
‘Very true. I’ll remain here while you go in.’
The Marquis opened the door and, with a short nod of gratitude, Lapsewood stepped inside the Central Records Library.