There was a clatter of cutlery as Gecko leaped to the table.
“A threat?” the stitchling inquired.
“More a foretelling,” said Ms. Agnus, her voice softening. "I stem from my home, dear, as it does from me. " She nodded downwards. Fine fibres crept from under her dress, seeping into the plush carpet. “You can’t uproot me, even if I let you”. Clive noted the bite returning to her voice. Gecko lowered an accusing finger. “Understand each other, do we?” she said, edging towards Gecko and licking a handkerchief. “Now come over here, you’ve landed in the scones, for pity’s sake.”
*
The house had settled by the time Ms. Agnus’ new guests arrived.
“Mind your p’s and q’s,” Clive growled as the squad took position around the sitting room. “And don’t touch anything.” A clanking from the kitchen broke the portal’s eerie hum.
“Was that two sugars, sergeant?”
An armored guard grunted an awkward reply to muffled titters.
It was generally agreed among the squad that Ms. Agnus’ sitting room was one of their better stakeouts.