‘Everyone else will have exactly the same reservations, Kate. All Alan has to do is write a moderately convincing brief and you’ll have your letter. And she’s right to question it – even you can’t deny this has all come out of the blue. Have we heard a single other source talk about a coup in Moscow Centre? Don’t you think we would have seen some other reporting of it?’

‘Not necessarily. You know how long it takes for news of any change at the top in Moscow to leak. Besides, I have seen the video.’

‘If it’s real.’

Kate could see further argument was pointless. She turned her attention to a group of Japanese tourists feeding the ducks. The enthusiasm of their children, their joy, was briefly distracting.

‘Besides,’ Ian continued, ‘don’t change the subject. Have you talked to her?’

‘About what exactly?’

‘Us, of course! Jesus, Kate, you can be wilfully dense sometimes.’

‘What aspect of “us” would you like to discuss?’

‘She won’t return my calls.’ Ian stopped and faced her. Kate noticed that the chest hair that poked out from his open-necked shirt in tufts was grey now. He suddenly looked older, too. Not that she could talk. ‘This is serious, Kate.’

‘What is?’

‘I’m in love with her, goddamn it.’

Kate did not know whether to laugh or cry. She felt as if she was being hollowed out from the inside with exhaustion and nervous tension, and here was this absurd man-child pouring out his heart – and to her, of all people. ‘You’ll have to talk to her, Ian. I really can’t help you.’

‘But you’re her friend. She trusts you.’

‘I’m also her boss and you’re mine, so this conversation feels inappropriate on any number of levels.’

‘Oh, for God’s sake! Don’t be a prig. I just told you I loved her. This isn’t some wretched office fling. I care—’

‘But that is exactly how she sees it. I’m fairly sure it was just sex for her. She’s told me that often enough.’ Ian looked as if she had slapped him across the face. ‘Don’t look so surprised. Isn’t that what most extra-marital affairs are supposed to be about?’

‘No! Jesus . . .’ Ian was clearly bewildered. ‘What do you mean, just sex?’

‘Oh, come on, Ian. This is like talking to one of my teenagers.’ Much too like, Kate wanted to add. ‘Julie is a very tough and, if we’re being honest, somewhat damaged young woman. She has many demons to slay, which I’m sure she’ll manage to do in her own good time. She was having an affair with you because it came without baggage. Your declaration of undying love is the last thing she wants to hear.’

‘Damaged?’