‘Clients took a break in Nairobi, just as I expected. So I drove down here. I knew I’d be sure to bump into some rafikis.’ Anthony Chapman was talking to Piet, but his eyes were fixed on Camilla. ‘Can I join this exclusive little group?’ He sat down and ordered more wine. ‘And here’s the future zoologist, surrounded by strange specimens ripe for study. Or would you rather come and dance with me, Sarah?’

She nodded and smiled, but as she turned towards the dance floor she saw Piet sliding an arm around Camilla’s waist, leaning across to whisper something in her ear. Sarah’s stomach cramped and she tried in vain to concentrate on what Anthony was saying, as he led her into the heart of the crowd and their table was lost from view. When they returned to their small group, Piet stood up and held out his hand to Camilla, but Anthony reached her first and spun her away. For a moment Piet hesitated. Then he pulled Sarah on to the floor where he began to move in a series of wild gyrations, twisting and reeling and turning, laughing and hooting, so that she started to feel dizzy and extremely hot. Then the music slowed and he drew her close to him. She leaned against him, painfully aware of the fact that a trickle of sweat was running down her face from her hairline, willing herself to calm down, to take in a few breaths of the cool sea air. She wanted to drift away with him, out on to the beach where there was no music other than the unceasing sea. But as the melody ended he grinned down at her, touched her cheek and brought her back to the table where she found herself swooping between euphoria and regret. As midnight approached, there was champagne on every table. Toasts were already being made as the music stopped.

‘I’ve seen in many a New Year here, with my rafikis, and I’ve never been tempted to make or encourage speeches.’ The owner of the Turtle Club had jumped on to a table on the edge of the verandah. ‘But tonight is different for all of us. Tonight is the last New Year’s Eve under the good old British, and this time next year we’ll be living in an independent Kenya, under a different flag. So tonight we’ll raise our glasses to all that has gone before. We’ll drink to those who made this wonderful country what it is, and to those who have the courage to stay on and work towards a bright future. Many of you are in this room tonight.’ He raised his glass, standing above the crowd, and looked around at the hopeful faces before making his toast. ‘To the great country that has guided us all to this moment in our history. God Save the Queen, God bless Kenya, and all of us.’