"I did," he admits. "They're not always the best sort but I did have one detective who, while lacking in the imagination and insight to tackle the most intricate cases himself, was, at least, possessed of enough good sense to know when he was beyond his depth. He brought me interesting work; I balanced the rest with cases brought by private citizens."

He leans forward immediately at her mention of the Militia, elbows on the table, fingers touching one another. "I gather they're not the most friendly or trustworthy bunch, from the general attitude about them and some of the network broadcasts I've studied. I'd like to hear your appraisal."