"No, not yet," Royce says stubbornly, holding his shiv tightly. He slides behind Alfie, works his way around the room without getting too close to the hands, and ducks into the kitchen past the hands groping for his cloak.

Muttering angrily, Royce starts going through drawers in the kitchen, rummaging for anything of use. He'll find something in this last drawer - and Alfie will see him pull that letter opener out, provided he's followed Royce into the kitchen.