“I was hoping you would say that. I won’t worry, then.” He really won’t. As much as he likes children and genuinely believes they should be protected, he also is one of the things they need protecting from. Being at best a wonderful tutor but generally pernicious influence.

His cheerful smile returns. “I hope that you will. I’d like to meet them. Reynard, as well as the girl.”

He means it. For one so introverted and solitary, Johan has always sought the company of others. Sometimes as part of a plan, sometimes to use as teachers and tutors, sometimes for no ulterior reason at all. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Before or after she moves in. I don’t have much experience with carpentry or building, but I know quite a lot about painting. Walls, murals...”

Beautiful landscapes. Renaissance forgeries. Messages on water towers.