‘I was prepared to work for anyone who would pay me what I’m worth and treat me with respect.’

‘And Dan did that?’

A slight pause. ‘Yes, he did. I’m a single parent who wanted the best for his daughter and Mr Jeavons helped with that.’

‘How old is your daughter?’

‘Chima was seventeen yesterday.’ George’s hazel-brown eyes softened at the mention of his child. ‘She’s going to study medicine at university. One day she’ll be a world-famous neurosurgeon and save countless lives. She’s so smart …’

George’s voice trailed off, his gaze cloudy and withdrawn. His lips thinned as if painful memories were washing over him. He was hurting, but I couldn’t be sure if it was for himself or someone else.

‘Where is Chima now?’ I asked softly.

‘She’s been staying with me for the last year. She used to board at her school, but … anyway, she’s here with me.’

‘I thought you were a live-in butler?’ I said.

‘I am. I mean, I was. Mr Jeavons’ apartment suite occupies the whole top floor of this building including the annexe apartment through the kitchen which is where I live. Mr Jeavons wanted me to be available at all times. My apartment has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an open-plan sitting room and a kitchen-diner. It’s not huge, but it was all I needed.’

George spoke like he was being interviewed, pleasant enough but very formal; he didn’t let his guard down for a moment. ‘Anyway, that’s all academic now. Mr Jeavons owns … owned this building and left it to his brother, Tom. Mrs Foxton, who is administering the estate until Tom comes of age, has already served me with one month’s notice. Chima and I will be leaving on Friday.’

‘You’re losing your home? Couldn’t she at least have given you longer than four weeks?’

‘It was to be expected, ma’am. I had hoped to have a little longer to find another situation, but Chima and I will manage.’

‘I’m so sorry. Dan didn’t mind your daughter living with you?’

‘Oh no. In fact, it was his idea. He suggested Chima joined me while she revised for her mock exams. Mr Jeavons said he’d do anything he could to help her career, including pulling some strings to get her into university when the time was right.’

Really? ‘You believed him?’

‘Oh yes,’ said George. ‘Mr Jeavons was a man of his word if nothing else.’

Hmm … ‘May I ask, what’s your opinion of Tobey Durbridge?’

A cold flash sparked in his eyes. ‘I’m sure he’ll make a competent Prime Minister.’

I smiled. ‘That’s not what I asked.’

George nodded ruefully. ‘Mr Durbridge and Mr Jeavons were very alike. Birds of a feather.’

True, but still not what I asked.

‘Did you like him?’

‘Liking either of them was never in my job description.’