‘Let’s say they’re not,’ Freddie said. ‘Or they are, but for some reason they’re more concerned with the transportation of produce.’ He shrugged. ‘Isn’t it more sensible to provide refrigeration plants, so the railway is in fact assisting our primary producers? Increasing their efficiency?’ He shrugged again. ‘It seems right to me, to help them make back the extortionate amount of money they’re pouring into the thing.’

‘It’s not a bad idea.’

‘Why haven’t you discussed this then?’

‘I’m an engineer,’ I said. ‘Not a politician.’

‘We can see that,’ Freddie said. ‘A politician would never give credence to his opponent’s idea.’

There was another ripple, louder this time.

‘Kenya and Uganda Railways and Harbours mustn’t get above itself,’ Freddie said, raising his voice. ‘The railways should serve the public, not master it.’

I looked at the nodding faces and felt my stomach cramping. ‘Maybe you should practise what you preach.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Is all this out of concern for the farmers, or are you trying to make a name for yourself?’

‘I would have thought my name was pretty well established.’

‘Government’s always been happy to let us get on with it until now.’

I looked at Freddie; he raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s my point,’ he said. He turned away, but I caught his words anyway, ‘Things are changing.’

I found him at the Muthaiga a few hours later. He was sitting at the bar with Martha; her face looked fat in the half-light. The room was empty otherwise.

‘Theo,’ he said, when he saw me. ‘I’m sorry – but I believe everything I said.’

I stood a few paces away; I didn’t trust myself to get closer to him. ‘Why didn’t you tell me that’s what you wanted me for?’

‘Because you wouldn’t have come.’

‘Of course I wouldn’t. You humiliated me. And you’ve ruined my father’s plans.’ I bit my lip, wanting suddenly, absurdly, to cry. ‘It’ll crush him.’

‘The points needed to be made. The railway is a massive expense, and it’s not helping anyone.’

‘Not like you, Freddie,’ Martha said in a sing-song voice. ‘Always helping everyone.’

‘Darling,’ he said. ‘How many have you had today?’

‘I can see why she needs them,’ I said.

‘It’s politics, young man. It’s not personal.’

‘Don’t call me that.’

‘I said I’m sorry. Can’t you see the bigger picture?’

‘You mean your career?’

Martha passed her hand over her eyes. ‘I don’t feel well, Freddie.’ She started to topple over and I reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back upright. It was fleshy under my fingers, and spotty, and now I was closer I could see spots all over her body.

‘Heroin sores,’ Freddie said, following my gaze.