"No doubt I have the time for it because I'm not running around trying to collect familiars," Childermass shoots back breezily, unbothered, as usual, but definitely harsher than he used to be. He looks back down over the papers.

"I would like to know exactly what CY-Ren thinks she's going to do with her concert. I'll be gone and you can go back to playing house in peace once I do."