Cherry burst into the room like a satisfied whirlwind, Elizabeth close behind, carrying a notebook, two loose sheets of paper, and the dangerously animated expression of someone who had just heard the words "corrupt intermediaries." Damon stepped away from the door and indicated the chair opposite Seraphine's with a simple gesture. Elizabeth sat down immediately, crossing her legs and resting the notepad on her lap, as if this makeshift room were a perfectly acceptable office.
"Excellent," she said, adjusting the pen between her fingers. "Let's begin before I lose my enthusiasm or Cherry resorts to recreational violence."
"Recreational violence is a respectable tradition," replied Cherry, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.
Seraphine looked from one to the other with weary disdain.
"You are deeply irritating."
"Great sign," said Damon. "It means we're making progress."
Elizabeth opened her notebook and looked up at the prisoner.
