He had spoken before he saw Teal, who was also present, stolidly macerating chicle beside the commissioner's desk.
"What Angels of Doom?" asked Cullis sourly.
Essenden frowned.
"Who is this gentleman, Cullis?" he inquired. He appeared to hesitate over the word "gentleman."
"Chief Inspector Teal, who has taken charge of the case."
Cullis performed the necessary introduction briefly, and Essenden fidgeted into a chair without offering to shake hands.
"What angels of what doom?" repeated Cullis.
"Don't be difficult," said Essenden pettishly. "You know what I mean. Jill Trelawney's gang—"
"There never has been a gang," said Cullis. "Trelawney and Weald and Pinky Budd were the only Angels of Doom. Three people can't be called a gang."
"There were others—"