Harper followed Amy along the narrow path of trodden grass that led across the drive and round to the back door—there was no way through to the front door. It seemed that no one had used it for years. As she got closer to the house she could hear a repeated bass line, the unmistakable fuzzy groove of trance music.

“Good,” said Amy, “at least he’s up.”

Harper checked her watch—it was gone 1 p.m. Amy knocked on the peeling wooden door.

After a while, there was the shuffling of feet and the tell-tale darkening of the spyhole which showed Harper that they were being observed from within. Then, the door opened a crack. Half of a bearded face, one lens of a pair of spectacles. A section of a tricksy smile. All accompanied by a waft of sickly smoke. The man coughed productively into his fist before he said anything.

“Amy, babe. It’s good to see you.”

He seemed about to open the door wider when he caught sight of Harper. A frown, then a flash of recognition, of fury.

“Hello, Mr Jones,” said Harper.

“What is this?” said Gideon, pushing the door further shut so that he was peering through a gap no more than a centimetre wide. “Amy?” His voice was high-pitched, like a child’s. How could you, he seemed to ask.

“Darling,” said Amy, “it’s OK. She’s a friend.”

“You’re friends with a copper? You never said.”

Harper stepped away in the direction they’d come. “Look, Amy, I don’t think this is going to work. Why don’t we just go?”

Amy said, “No, it’s fine, honestly. Hang on a second.”

She leaned towards Gideon and mumbled something Harper couldn’t hear.

“Well, if you’re sure,” he said, throwing a suspicious glance towards Harper. “I suppose I could. Not for her, though. For you I will.”

“That would be marvellous. We’d be so grateful. Wouldn’t we, Joanna?” Amy gave Harper a hard nudge with an elbow.

“I’m sure you’re a very busy man, Mr Jones. Don’t put yourself out on our account.”

“He doesn’t mind one bit, do you, Gideon?”

There was some hesitation, but then after another phlegmy cough, “That’s right,” he said, “I’d be happy to help. There is one thing, though—could you both come back in half an hour? I have some friends here.”

“I don’t mind,” said Amy.

“No, I’m sure you don’t, but let’s just say that my friends might not want to meet your friend, if you know what I mean.”

“It’s just a social visit,” said Harper, “I’m not on duty. I don’t want to know about whatever it is you’re all doing in there. As long as I don’t see it, I don’t care.”

“Fine,” said Gideon, “shut your eyes then. I’ll get rid of them.”