The one you were talking about, thought Jane. I don’t remember being part of the conversation at all. ‘Mm,’ she said. ‘Well, there’s no rush, is there. And at the moment, I prefer to stay with the team.’

Smith’s eyes flashed and Jane knew that from this moment, the gloves were off.

‘Really? You prefer to remain with the team? Well, that’s a bit of a surprise, isn’t it? I called in several favours on your behalf, you know. Obviously, I’m the newbie, so perhaps it’s not for me to say, but I don’t think I’d describe you as part of this team and I’m certain the other two wouldn’t either. I don’t think anyone would. You don’t speak to us. You don’t eat with us. You don’t sit with us. Aren’t we good enough for you?’

She stormed out of the briefing room before Jane could reply.

Shaken, Jane turned to find Luke standing behind her.

‘For heaven’s sake, Jane. What is the matter with you?’

‘Nothing. Excuse me, please.’ She attempted to get past him.

‘Where are you going?’

‘I have work to do.’

‘What work? No one’s going anywhere. Nothing’s happening anywhere. What could you possibly find to do? Look, if this is about our going out without you the other night, then I’m sorry. We really did look for you to see if you wanted to come, too. We just couldn’t find you.’

‘I was working and then I was in my room.’

He blinked. ‘Are you sure? Sarah said . . .’

‘Of course I was in my room. Washing my hair. Or reading a book. As you have so frequently pointed out – I am always in my room.’

‘Why are you shouting at me? How is your lack of social life my fault?’ He turned to Matthew. ‘Why is she shouting at me?’

‘Leave her alone,’ said Matthew. ‘Not all women find you irresistible. Jane is only one of many.’

‘No one asked you,’ said Luke, conveniently forgetting that actually, he had. ‘Jane, listen to me – I’m not sure what’s wrong with you at the moment but something obviously is. Sarah’s very concerned about you and so am I.’

This was too much. ‘What do you mean – Sarah’s very concerned about me?’

‘Well, you don’t speak – you’re even worse than him, these days.’ He nodded at Matthew. ‘You don’t join in. In fact, Sarah thinks you’re avoiding us half the time. She says . . .’

‘I’m not interested in what Sarah thinks or what Sarah says. Why are you listening to her? She hasn’t had her boots on the ground any more often than we have. She’s just a clerk. And – and you won’t have noticed because you’re thinking with your genitals – but your precious Sarah is also a bit of a bitch.’