Bloom sat forward and clasped her hands together. ‘As far as I can see there are three possibilities. You’ve seen something someone wants you to forget, done something someone wants you to forget, or someone wants you to forget what you’ve told them.’

‘But seen or done what?’

‘That’s the million-dollar question, my man,’ said Jameson.

Bloom continued, ‘It could be something in your past or—’

‘Something that happened in those missing hours,’ finished Harry.

‘They may have needed your skills or particular insights for something.’

‘But … that’s a needle in a haystack. How do we ever find out if I don’t remember what I’ve seen, what I’ve done or who I’ve met?’

‘There are some clues,’ said Jameson.

‘Such as?’

‘I’ll get to that, but would you run me through this afternoon first? While it’s still fresh.’

‘I’ve already told the police everything.’

‘It’s important we know everything too,’ said Jameson. ‘If we’re going to help.’

Harry surveyed the room, gathering his thoughts.

‘When I woke there were two porters in my room. I’d never seen the guy at the end of my bed before, but the one in the doorway was called Freddie. He’d been here since I’d arrived.’ He was factual, reporting the details in an efficient, matter-of-fact way.

‘Working as a porter?’ said Jameson.

Harry nodded. ‘Freddie had said earlier that he was nearly done for the day and was taking a few days off so I wondered what might have kept him. This place is pretty much deserted other than the construction workers and new trainees. The new guy pushed a wheelchair up against the bed and told me to get in. He had a heavy accent – North African, maybe – and looked more suited to life as a nightclub bouncer. I did as I was asked. I didn’t think much more of it. I was grateful for a change of scenery. I shifted across and had my back to the two of them and I heard the new guy say something in French. I think it was “Who is this?” or “What is this?” And Freddie replied, “It’s not your concern.”’

‘Also in French?’ said Jameson.

Harry frowned. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Freddie replied in English.’

‘Go on,’ said Jameson.