‘I don’t have to. I know I’m not stupid.’

‘But they don’t.’

‘I don’t care what they think.’

‘But they can . . . I mean . . . sometimes they’re a bit . . . you know . . . I mean, look at what they did to you.’

He shook his head. ‘It’s only hair. I’ve known far worse than anything this lot can do to me.’

She opened her mouth to ask, but something held her back. She could go along with that. If she asked him about his past, then he might ask her about hers and there was no way she was telling him about that cold, silent house and her grandmother’s rasping voice and that eternal bell and always being so tired. Besides, that was another world now.

‘I mean it,’ he said. ‘They don’t bother me – mostly . . .’ he added, remembering the scene in the corridor, ‘but you don’t want them starting on you.’

‘I can handle myself,’ she said, stoutly.

He smiled slightly.

‘Well, I can.’

He said nothing.

‘That’s a very irritating habit, you know. I’m not surprised you get thumped in the corridors.’

‘What is?’

‘The way you say things by not saying anything at all. I’m pretty sure Luke thinks so, too.’

He shook his head. ‘Luke’s so wrapped up in himself I’m surprised he’s even noticed.’

She gathered her courage. ‘Why are you here, Matthew?’

He shrugged. ‘Long story.’

‘Which you’re obviously not going to tell me.’

‘It’s not very interesting.’

‘Well,’ she surveyed her foam-splattered self, ‘I’d better change. I’m in enough trouble as it is.’

He shrugged. ‘Self-defence. I wouldn’t worry about it. Tell them it was me if you like.’

‘That doesn’t seem fair.’

‘Least I can do. Thanks.’

She smiled shyly. ‘You’re welcome.’

And now they were standing in front of Major Ellis. Who was still not amused. ‘Farrell, get your hair cut properly. By someone who knows what they’re doing. Not you, Lockland. You’re banned from holding scissors within a three feet radius of Farrell. Forever.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Anything either of you want to tell me?’

‘No, sir.’

‘No, sir.’

There was a short silence and then they were dismissed.

Curiously, no one ever said anything about the illegal discharge of a fire extinguisher.

Later that day, Farrell applied for permission to return to St Mary’s.

‘Do you want to come, Jane?’

‘Why?’

‘Well, I feel I owe you.’

‘No, I mean, why do you want to go back to St Mary’s?’ A thought occurred to her. ‘You’re not leaving the Time Police, are you?’

‘No, of course not. I go to visit my parents occasionally and get my hair cut. Do you want to come? See if it’s as bad as everyone says?’