‘But only if whoever killed Smith – and someone did, unless it’s the most determined case of suicide ever – isn’t in a position to issue a shoot-on-sight order.’

‘Why would anyone do that?’

‘Luke, someone killed her. Cut her throat in a moment of passion. Perhaps they overheard your conversation . . . heard her plans for your future, and was so overcome with jealousy that they killed her on the spot, dropped or flung down the knife and fled. In panic. They might not even have planned to kill her. It might just have been a spur of the moment thing and they were probably expecting to be arrested at any moment but I interfered. And then you and Matthew interfered some more. Which means that whoever killed her is getting away with it – thanks to us. When – if – they do catch up with us, I wouldn’t be in the slightest bit surprised if we weren’t both “shot while trying to escape” and then whoever did it is safe forever.’

He was silent for a while and then said, ‘All right, if we’re going to enter the realms of pure fantasy, here’s something else to think about. Is it possible that Smith’s murder was only a part of something else?’

‘In what way?’

‘Well, you’re arguing that it’s personal. That she was killed by, let’s say, an ex-boyfriend. In which case, it could have been anyone. The whole building is probably littered with Smith’s ex-lovers.’

Heroically, she refrained from making any comments.

‘Or,’ he continued, slowly, ‘it was professional.’

‘You mean – like a . . . a hit?’

‘No, I mean a professional reason. Smith’s death could be part of something larger.’

‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand.’

‘A larger scheme within the Time Police. We all know what’s going on, don’t we? Hay’s trying to modernise and reform and the old guard – the Albayans – are resisting her at every turn. Suppose they’ve gone on the attack. Think about it, Jane. A member of Ellis’s team is murdered. Who’s the main suspect? Well, it’s you, actually, but that’s not a problem for them. Yes, perhaps it should have been me, but you’re just as acceptable. Because what do we both have in common?’

She thought for a moment. ‘Ellis’s team. We’re all members of Ellis’s team.’

‘Yes, it’s not reflecting well on Ellis so far, is it? One of his team has been murdered and the other two are on the run. I bet you people are probably already saying, “What the hell’s been going on there? What’s Ellis been playing at?”’

She sat up. ‘Matthew! What about Matthew? Will he be all right?’

‘Half of me thinks he’s in MedCen and is therefore perfectly safe, and the other half is wondering how easy it would be for him to die quietly of his injuries.’