Page 78 of Storm of Bells

---

Lillian Linton

I shoved the message in the tube and waited. Soon,the reply arrived.

Mr Linton,

Would I lie to you?

Rikkard Ambrose

I contemplated the question for a moment—thenreached for another piece of paper.

Yes.

Yours sincerely,

Lillian Linton

A few moments later, his response fell onto mydesktop.

Mr Linton,

Then why do you waste my time asking?

Be ready for the laundry.

Rikkard Ambrose

Smiling brightly, I stuck my head around the cornerof the nearest file shelf.

‘Hello there, Mr Stone. Are you up foranother load?’

The young man beamed as if I’d offered himmanna from heaven. ‘Of course, Mr Linton! I’d be delighted!’

Gazing at him quizzically, I shook my head.‘Just out of curiosity…did you fall on your head as a smallchild?’

‘No.’

‘Oh.’

‘I did stub my toe on a door once, though,’he offered, helpfully. ‘Why?’

‘No reason. You go on…having fun.’

‘I most certainly will. Till later, MrLinton.’

Marching back to my desk, I scribbled anothernote to my dear employer.

Dear Marvellously Starched Master of Laundry,

I shall await your delivery with batedbreath,

Yours sincerely,

Lillian Linton

Fifteen and a half seconds later, his replyarrived.

I shall expect you not to leave a single burn orcrease.

---