I hastily stuffed the book on the shelf and scrambled to my feet. Solid as the room was, he remained a flickering figure. There didn't seem to be a bow tie on today's agenda but I got the distinct impression his jacket had patches on the elbows.

I twirled a finger around the room. "I expected more dripping candles and a chandelier made of skulls for Chariot's evil lair."

His brows knitted together and then he barked a laugh. "You think I'm Chariot?"

"Your opening ...