“You really are Liege Tarquin Mercator, then? I couldn’t be sure. Last I saw of you were baby pictures on the news.” He ventured a sly smile. “I prefer Dr. Mercator.” She barked a laugh and let her head rest against the bed, shaking it slowly. “Very well, Doctor. But make it quick. It’s been thirty-one years. I don’t want to waste another second.”