Helene Cairn was arranging help when Felix arrived.
A clerk stood beside her desk with the legal appointment list. Another waited for approval of copying space. On the side table, letters from potential supporters occupied three neat piles.
Her own chair had disappeared beneath two boxes of completed copies. She cleared it herself before greeting him.
“Barnaby’s resumed hearing,” she said, looking up. “Does he need anything?”
“He’s chosen the records. Thank you for the contacts.”
Lyra closed the door after the local staff had stepped into the adjoining office under the agreed discussion arrangements.
A staff member brought tea while the discussion arrangements were checked. Helene remembered which cup Felix had used during the previous review and moved the sugar within his reach.
He thanked her and left the spoon beside it.
