‘I’m enjoying myself,’ I said, and my father’s eyes looked shiny for a moment.

I was still busy at work, but I made sure I continued the run between Gregory’s bungalow in Nairobi and Mahalbeth, even though the medicine seemed to be losing efficacy. Once or twice I found Martha drifting through the rooms, wearing only a dressing gown and with her hair unbrushed, but for the most part she seemed invisible. Waweru wouldn’t speak about her – out of loyalty to Freddie, I supposed – and the totos seemed afraid of her. Freddie was hardly ever at home, and I hadn’t seen him in months by the time I ran into him at the market one afternoon in March. He smelled the same as always, but his clothes were even smarter and his nails even neater. The weather was muggy, and he alone was cool among all the fans and sodden handkerchiefs.

‘Let me buy you a drink,’ he said.

We drove to the Muthaiga in his car, the leather of the seat burning hot.

‘I should check on Martha,’ Freddie said. ‘Did you know we’d bought a bungalow opposite the club?’

‘So that’s why I never see you in Naivasha. Which one?’

‘No name – it’s got a red door, if you ever need to find it. It’s no Mahalbeth, but it’s convenient for the campaign.’

‘How’s that going?’

He grinned. ‘Pretty well, I think. I’m up against another two candidates, but I seem to be pulling in front of them.’

‘Good.’

‘I think I can really shake it up, if I get in. Make a mark, and all that.’

‘I’m sure you will.’

‘What’s happening with you? Still beavering away at Lunatic Line HQ?’

‘Actually, yes. My father’s retiring next year and we’re working on a project to improve the stations, build new ones. Improve the look of the whole thing.’

‘Oh?’ He turned his face to me. ‘You seem more enthusiastic.’

‘We understand each other better now.’

‘Maybe you should stay, then.’

We pulled up outside the Muthaiga. Freddie turned off the engine but didn’t get out. He was staring at something in the distance.

‘What are you planning now?’

‘I’ve just had an idea. If I’m elected, would you be willing to come to a Council session, give them the benefit of your expert knowledge?’

‘I’m not very good at public speaking.’

‘You don’t have to be,’ he said, ‘half the members aren’t either. So will you? I know I don’t deserve it, but it’d be a huge boon to me.’

‘I –’

‘Do it for me,’ he said, holding his hands out in a mock prayer. ‘For the good of my career.’