They all looked interested at that, but the voice from the briefcase did not seem disposed to elucidate further.

“That will be all,” it said unequivocally. “You can start leaving now.”

Mr. Kelly zipped the briefcase shut, nodded at everyone, and left.

A few moments later, Mr. Cohen followed him. Then Jones yawned and said, “Well, goodbye, now.” He closed the door behind him.

Jane Doe rose, but she didn’t go toward the door. She came over to where Alfred Smith was standing with a punched expression in his eyes.

“Well, John?” she said softly.

Alfred Smith couldn’t think of anything to say to that, except, “Well, Jane?”

“We’re together again. Working on an assignment again, together. Isn’t it wonderful?”

He nodded slowly, carefully. “Yes. Wonderful.”

“And if we can only close it up this time, finish the whole nasty business once and for all, we’ll be going back together”

“And then?”

Her eyes glistened. “You know, darling. A quiet little web somewhere, just for two. You and I alone. And piles and piles of eggs.”

Alfred gulped, and, in spite of himself, turned away.

“Oh, I’m sorry, darling,” she cried, taking his hand. “I’ve upset you. I was talking out of uniform. Well then, put it this way: a cottage small by a waterfall. And baby makes three. You and I, down the golden years together. When your hair has turned to silver. There! Is that better?”

“Lots,” he managed to get out, staring at her wildly. “Lots better.”

She threw her arms around him. He realized he was expected to respond, and squeezed back.

“Oh, I don’t care,” she whispered into his ear. “I don’t care about discipline or anything when I’m close to you. And I’ll say it, even if Command Central is listening. Darling, do you know what I’d like right now?”

Alfred sighed. He was more than half afraid of what was coming. “No, what? What would you like right now?”