Tasha furiously shook her head, pointing at nothing in particular.
He admonished her with a finger to his lips and a quelling frown, and softly went through the half-open door.
And collided with a person barrelling out of it, who stopped with a shriek and stared up at him.
‘Are you the police?’ she said. ‘Finally! I wish to make a complaint. Your ward has invaded my home, and made such accusations against me as I can barely stand to repeat! She ought to be sent back to the streets, where she doubtless belongs—’ She broke off when Tasha herself appeared — in a flare of ghost-light provided by Ootapi.
Tasha gave a ghastly grin.
‘This ward?’ said Konrad politely.
Mrs. Usova faltered, but made a recover. ‘Yes, this one. She…’ Trailing off, she gazed doubtfully upon Tasha, who looked at t
