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II The gloom inside was becoming impenetrable, so Hagen lit a few torches. A chill wind blew through the corridors around him, giving the station an ever-present feeling of doom. It had all started when the Mechanists had come to the fore. The entire city gained a feeling of darkness, and all the time Hagen was in the streets he felt unsafe and uneasy. Rumour had it that all the plants around their castle had shrivelled and died for some unknown reason. He was not looking forward to the visit at the Mechanist castle. Truart was out on a murder case that evening, so Hagen would be all alone with their leader and brethren. Hagen decided to visit his office to gather some documents. Passing the guard post he took the stairs to the officers’ floor. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a shadow move. He stopped and turned but nothing seemed to be there. Must have been a rat. He passed Moseley leaving her office. “How are you, Hagen?” asked the woman. Hagen detected a hint of sarcasm as she continued “Truart not treating you too bad then?” “No Moseley. Life is kind to me. How is the case going?” “I nearly have the culprits. Truart thinks I can’t cope with the case, but I have a surprise for him tomorrow. I am off to consult an adviser, and then I shall arrest my suspects if it is established that they were the ruffians.” “Well, good-eve to you. See you tomorrow!” “Likewise,” mumbled Moseley. Throwing on her helmet she stomped off down the carpeted corridor to the stairs. Hagen unlocked his office door. It was pitch black inside so he left the door open so he could see by the light from outside. Pacing across to the gas lamp on his desk, Hagen took the matches from his drawer below it. Lighting the lamp was second nature to him, and soon the room was illuminated with a warm, yellow light. Taking the handkerchief from his pocket, Hagen mopped his sweaty forehead. He left the handkerchief on his desk and was about to cross the room when a middle-aged officer knocked at his open door. “Your horse is ready sir,” said the man in a gruff, hard voice. “Thanks. Tell Truart when he returns that I returned home after my visit to the castle. That will be all.” “Of course, Sir.” At that the man walked off down the corridor, leaving Hagen to some quiet at last.
Opening a cabinet set in the wall Hagen removed a wad of papers. Taking a ribbon he bound them together and sealed them. Now he took his gloves from the drawer, shut off the light and left the room. He shut the door but left it unlocked; there was no need to lock a door in this station. Returning to the stairwell Hagen planned his route to the stables.
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