“Are we doing a whistle-stop tour of your acquaintances?”

“Mr. Fellows. Don't be concerned I know your name. It is my business to know who you are, it is my business to know a lot of things,” Byron said, now close enough for his aftershave to sting in Henry's nostrils.

“So you and Sabrina have a deal going on?” Gabriel said, catching Byron's eye.

“A deal? You know better than to make empty threats towards me, Gabriel. It is amazing the things you can find out,” he paused, “when you really start looking.” A staring contest began between Gabriel and Byron, neither willing to break eye contact.

“Not going to offer us a drink?” Gabriel said, finally breaking the tension.

“Of course, but I will ask you to take a booth. I can't have you two stinking up my fine club,” Byron said.

He led them to a table set into an alcove off the main dance floor. The club was colossal, staggered over three floors, of which they appeared to be on the middle one. Two whiskies were laid on the table and Byron made his excuses, leaving them alone.

“Does this eye gaze thing not always work?” Henry said, when he was sure they were alone.

“You talking about Byron? It wouldn't work on him, he’s human. Also, you'll have to learn to use it. You probably detected my powers weakly and didn’t see anything on those you passed in the under-city, even though every single person there is an alternate. Someone told me your ability gets stronger when someone uses their power and generally only works when you switch it on,” Gabriel said.

“Switch it on? I like the idea of being able to turn it off.”

“Mirror stuff is a lot more reliable. Anyway, should probably tell you where we are. This is the Two Gates Club.”

“Two Gates?”

“And you were being so bright before,” Gabriel said mischievously, “Two gates, one to the under-city and one to the over-city. I don’t suggest you make this a regular haunt though.”

“Are there lots of clubs like this?”

“No, this is the only one. The Inquisition and Government control all pathways between the under and over cities, tightly monitoring the gate owners, which tend to be family businesses. This club is the only private entrance way, goes back to some ancient pact, but don't ask me the details. Distraction fields keep the general public away and further ones hide the entrances to the under-city once you are inside. They are over by the far wall if you are interested. Anyway, you'll find all sort of dodgy business going on here, but we can never peg anything on Byron. He's squeaky clean and knows what we'll be having for breakfast before we do.”

“So he deals in information,” Henry said.

“That's putting it lightly. Don't cross him, because it won't end well. Lots of people learn that the hard way,” Gabriel said.

Henry peered across the room to the wall Gabriel had indicated to, but saw nothing.