The reality of the situation bit into her. His wife would be coming. She could get back to her job. She was no longer needed here. ‘Yes. Of course.’ She got up from her chair and looked down at Tiger, half covered by the crisp white sheet. For a moment she did not see the tubes and the wires; only the naked body of the man, lying there, hardly breathing, his eyes closed against the world. Softly she traced her index finger down the back of his hand, then turned and left the room.

Gary Flynn had two mobile phones. One was a work number, known only to his colleagues, the other was a personal phone. He left the personal one switched off most of the time, milking it for messages at the end of the day, which is why it was not until the evening that he discovered what had happened to Tiger.

Christopher’s message was short and to the point: ‘Gary, it’s Christopher. Bad news, I’m afraid. Tiger’s had a stroke and is in hospital in Jersey. Erica’s over there with him. Can’t tell you much more. He’s comfortable but still in intensive care. Give me a ring this evening, will you? I’ll be in. Thanks.’

Gary did not ring Christopher. Instead he called in. It was about eight o’clock when he rang the doorbell, Ellie let him in.

‘Hello Gary. Rotten news isn’t it?’

‘The worst,’ said Gary, and gave Ellie a light kiss on her cheek. ‘Nice to see you again. Are you here for long?’

‘No. Going back tomorrow.’

‘Your dad will miss you.’

‘I think he’ll be OK. Got another woman in his life now.’ She registered Gary’s look of surprise. ‘Hasn’t he told you?’

Gary shook his head.

‘Oh, God! Don’t say a word, Gary, or I’m dead.’ Then she realized the unfortunate choice of word. ‘I’m not doing very well tonight, am l?’

‘It’s OK.’ Gary put his arm round her shoulder. ‘Your secret’s safe with me. And don’t look so worried. I’m sure Tiger will pull through.’

‘I do hope so. Dad’s in there,’ She gestured towards the sitting room. ‘I’ll see you next time I’m over. I’m going out in a bit and I expect you’ll be gone by the time I get back.’

‘Well, you take care of yourself. It’s a dangerous place, Africa. Lots of wicked people.’

‘Oh Gary, you have such a jaundiced outlook on life. You should get out more. Meet people. Instead of being stuck in that office. The world’s not nearly so frightening as you think, you know.’

‘So how bad is he?’ Gary was crouched over a glass of malt, looking into the fire with Christopher.

‘Pretty bad.’

‘Bloody ironic isn’t it?’

‘What do you mean?’