"I can only say very rude things about his mother." He sat up straighter. "Pardon." He fell silent again. "Fully operative," he said, finally. "Optimal so far." He was quiet again. "I appreciate that, but no. You’ll have to keep them back. Well out of the area. I have a lot on the ground. Too many moving parts to have anyone of yours in the mix. Not negotiable, no." She saw his hand come down on the switchbox. "Bugger."