She waited one minute, two. Still not switching on the light, she unbolted and unlocked the door, then turned the handle. She opened the door, still holding the pistol out in front of her.

A shapeless figure lay on the floor by the railings. She reached out and flicked the light switch and found herself looking down at a man on his haunches pointing a sub-machine gun up at her. He nodded at the pistol.

‘Put it down,’ he said.

In her shock and confusion, instinct took over. But before her finger could fully depress the trigger, she was being cut down by a vicious burst from the Sten, slumping to the floor like a broken marionette.

Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32

Lydia was becoming increasingly concerned. She had no medicines, not even an aspirin to help the child, and her attempts to reduce Klara’s fever were failing. She had to get help – and that meant leaving this house, whatever Tom had said.

With the lights switched off, she pulled back the blackout and looked out into the narrow alley. Tom had said there was a phone box across the road, but she couldn’t see it. Without street lights, she couldn’t see anything at all. If anyone was out there, she would never know.

At least Johnny was asleep, which was something. She had moved him to another room; with no notion of how infectious Klara might be, it was the only sensible option. Childhood illnesses were episodes that had to be endured, but not for Johnny just at the moment, thank you.

She went to look at him, kissed his forehead, which was gratifyingly cool, and tiptoed from the room. Her purse was on the kitchen table, and she removed some coins and a cigarette lighter.

Leaving the front door unlocked, she looked both ways into the gloom. Her eyes soon began to adjust and she was confident no one was about. Darting across the road, she ducked into the kiosk, picked up the receiver and dialled a number she knew by heart. When it was answered, she quickly fed some coins into the slot.

‘Hello, Edie?’

‘Is that you, Lydia?’

‘I’m so sorry to wake you.’

‘Don’t worry, darling – I’m used to it. Curse of the GP’s wife. Is something the matter?’

’Is Rupert there? I have a sick child – I’m very worried.’

‘Better to get him to Addenbrooke’s – that might be quicker.’

‘I can’t – honestly, Edie, I can’t – and I can’t explain. I’m not at home. If Rupert could come here. We’re in Harry Taylor’s house, but please don’t tell anyone. Not a word, we’re in grave danger.’

Lydia felt terrible that she was communicating her panic down the wires to her friend, but what else could she do?