Part 45 (1/2)
”How about that?” she crowed. ”What a wonderful idea!”
”You think so?” Melissande demanded. ”Well, I think it's-it's the most high-handed, autocratic, bossy-”
”I know!” said Bibbie. ”He sounds just like you-and Reg!”
As Melissande spluttered, Sir Alec continued. ”These new arrangements will commence immediately. Mister Markham, Mister Dunwoody, you will report to Nettleworth at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. Miss Cadwallader, Miss Markham and Reg, someone will be stopping by this office later today with papers for you to sign. Or, in your case, Reg, scratch. Then you too shall report to Nettleworth for further briefings.”
”Um,” said Gerald, not daring to look at Melissande. ”Wasn't there something you wanted to add, Sir Alec?”
Sir Alec frowned. ”No. I don't think so. I think I've been quite clear.”
”No, no, I think there was something else,” he said. ”Something about-I don't know-asking if we're interested?”
”I'm sorry,” said Sir Alec, one pale brown eyebrow lifting. ”Did you not hear what I said to Miss Cadwallader? This is-as you'd say-most definitely a done deal. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens when you solve a highly delicate and dangerous secret mission.” He smiled, unamused. ”You get given another one.”
”But-but-” said Melissande. ”Rupert-he's not going to like me getting involved with-”
Sir Alec considered her. ”Actually, Your Highness, His Majesty has already been informed. He asked me tell you, from him, 'Have fun'.”
”Oh,” said Melissande faintly. Stunned, she patted Boris on the head. ”I see. Well. Gosh. Did he really?”
”Yes,” said Sir Alec, then added, ”Your family has also been informed, Miss Markham.”
”And did they give you a message for me?” asked Bibbie brightly.
”No,” said Sir Alec. ”But I've got one. Get off that dustbin lid. It's time to grow up.”
As the agency door clicked closed behind him they all looked at each other, lost for words.
Well. Almost lost for words.
Comfortable on her ram skull, Reg let out a sudden cackle. ”Well, boys and girls, you know what they say. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l! What's next?”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
This writer is only as good as the people who tell her the truth about the quality of the current work in progress. I continue to be blessed by Glenda Larke, Mary Webber and Elaine s.h.i.+pp, who never pull their punches and make sure I'm doing the best that I can. If I fall short, blame me. They did their best.
Tim Holman, a true gentleman of publis.h.i.+ng, for his ongoing support.
Alex Lencicki, for all his wonderful PR efforts.
The production and design team, who lavish so much care on Orbit's books.
North America's fantasy readers, who are so willing to embrace this wordy foreigner.
The readers, who keep coming back for more.
North America's wonderful booksellers, especially the team at Borders, without whom I'd be lost.
Extras.
Meet the Author.
K. E. Mills is the pseudonym for Karen Miller. She was born in Vancouver, Canada, and moved to Australia with her family when she was two. She started writing stories while still in primary school, where she fell in love with speculative fiction after reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Over the years she has held down a wide variety of jobs, including horse stud groom in Buckingham, England. She is working on several new novels.
Visit the official Karen Miller Web site at es real.
Monk Markham's unexpected twin has broken the barrier between worlds in a desperate attempt to stop his Gerald Dun-woody before it's too late for everyone. Because his Gerald Dunwoody made their King Lional a dragon- and wasn't sorry. His Gerald Dunwoody didn't resist the lure of black magic grimoires. And now he isn't content with one world to rule. This Gerald Dunwoody wants to rule them all. And there's nothing he won't do to get what he wants.
The question is how far, exactly, will Gerald Dunwoody, Rogue Agent, have to go to stop a man with his face... and none of his scruples?
Available wherever good books are sold.
Introducing.
If you enjoyed WITCHES INCORPORATED, look out for THE INNOCENT MAGE.
Book One of the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series.
by Karen Miller.
Being a fisherman like his father isn't a bad life, but it's not the one that Asher wants. Despite his humble roots, Asher has grand dreams. And they call him to Dorana, home of princes, beggars... and the warrior mages who have protected the kingdom for generations.
Little does Asher know, however, that his arrival in the city is being closely watched by members of the Circle, people dedicated to preserving an ancient magic.
Asher might have come to the city to make his fortune, but he will find his destiny.
PROLOGUE.
Nine hundred and ninety-seven... nine hundred and ninety-eight... nine hundred and ninety-nine... one thousand!
Asher opened his eyes. At last.