‘Possibly. New ways of looking at things. New ways of doing things. Better ways of doing things, sir.’

‘With luck, the end of the old days could be in sight.’

‘Not if certain people can prevent it, sir.’

‘All things must evolve or die, North. The Time Police were formed to combat a dreadful threat. That threat has changed but such power as we possess is not given up lightly.’

‘I agree, sir. Powers were created for us. But if we do not hold them, who will?’

He regarded her with interest. ‘A very good point, Officer North.’

There was an awkward pause.

‘I preferred it when you called me Celia. Sir.’

21

21

Jane got dressed the next morning with an unaccustomed feeling of anticipation and a little excitement. She wasn’t sure why and then remembered the night before. They’d sat in the bar and talked until late into the night. They’d bought several more rounds between them – the last one only possible after frantic pocket searching to reach the required amount of money. Somehow paying in pennies made everything hilarious. Being broke was fun.

Once the conversational barrier had been breached, there was a great deal to discuss. Mikey, Luke’s father, St Mary’s, Jane’s grandmother. Several drinks down the line there had been a lot of laughing. They hadn’t been rowdy but they’d attracted some looks. At some point, it had been agreed they’d ditch the name Team 236 and go with Team Weird. Luke was to have official team stationery printed. Matthew had volunteered to design the official team tie. She couldn’t, at that exact moment, remember what her own contribution was to be. There was a vague memory of an official song. A lot of words rhyme with weird and it would appear she had written a large number of them on the back of her hand.

Someone banged on her door and she opened it to find Matthew and Luke grinning at her.

‘Breakfast?’ said Luke. She nodded, suddenly very much looking forward to the day ahead and pulled her door closed behind her.

Serving themselves, they took their laden trays into the dining room. It was crowded. They looked around for empty seats.

‘Not sure we’ll all be able to sit together,’ said Jane.

‘Follow me,’ said Luke, setting off across the room.

He found a few spare seats at the end of a long table, saying, ‘Morning,’ cheerfully to a bunch of scowling officers as he dumped his tray.

Winking at Jane, he said in a low voice, ‘Sit down. Bet you a tenner they’ll push off in a couple of minutes.’

He was right.

‘I was right,’ he announced with some satisfaction. ‘I thought the social stigma of being seen publicly with us would overcome their need for a second cup of coffee. They’ll actually be reporting for duty on time this morning. And all thanks to us.’