[When Anton turns on the video he looks a little ruffled. His tie is gone, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, and there's blood on his vest, for the observant. His expression is flat but with an edge of exasperation, and behind him ... Behind him is Skulduggery and Erskine. They're bound together with a five-foot length of chain, Erskine with a manacle on his wrist and Skulduggery with a manacle around his neck-bones.
[Skulduggery is missing his hat, and his suit is tattered. Erskine's in obviously clean clothes, but he's missing a jacket, he's limping slightly, his arm is in a sling and he has a spray-bottle.
And they're arguing. Loudly. Anton's voice is raised to be heard over them and, perhaps notably, he keeps his hands out of view of the camera.]
Let it be publicly known that these two reprobates are grounded.
[He jerks his head at them without looking around.]
If anyone sees them on the streets while Erskine, that's the ridiculously pretty one, is
not wearing a dog-collar, please punch them both and return them to the Midnight Hotel. If anyone finds them
not in the company of each other, please, again, punch them and return them to the Midnight Hotel.
Rest assured that the damages they caused will be repaired at their expense and any loss of revenue reimbursed. We'll be by in the next few days to arrange this.
[Pause.]
Ah. Yes. Skulduggery, that's the idiot who's forgotten his skin, has lost his hat privileges. No hats for Skulduggery. Thank you.
[This broadcast is also available as action, for those staying at the Midnight Hotel.]