Harry and Jameson eventually returned to the reception. She wanted to rush over, to ask if he was OK, but something in his expression stopped her. In his hand he held some envelopes. He handed one to her and said, ‘I’m sorry. Really. I …’ He shook his head and walked out of the building.

‘So?’ Bloom said to Jameson.

‘Take her somewhere quiet. Get her a tea. And then let her read it. I’ll keep an eye on him.’

Karene didn’t understand. Why all the drama? The mystery? Surely this was where they dispensed with all that and found out what was actually going on. She looked down at the envelope. Her name was there in Harry’s neat writing. The sight tightened her stomach. He often used to leave her little notes, jokes to make her laugh or to tell her he loved her.

‘Come on.’ Bloom led her out into the street and around the corner to a nearby cafe. She ordered two teas, as instructed by Jameson, and chose a table in the back corner.

‘What are those for?’ Karene said, seeing the handful of sugar sachets in Bloom’s hand.

‘Shock.’

Karene stared at the envelope for a second or two then carefully opened it and unfolded the letter within.