Kate’s mood was not what he would have expected. There was a hint of melancholy about her now. When she was married to Christopher she was vibrant and lively, often combative in conversation, always exuding an air of bright capability.

He and Erica had seen it coming. The break up. But what could you do? You couldn’t say to your friend that unless he pulled his finger out his wife would probably leave him. Especially not when he was a doctor, and the trouble with his relationship was probably that he cared too much about other people to keep his eye on the ball at home. It would be easy to say that Christopher had been selfish about his career, but when that career was concerned with the welfare of the rest of the human race it made a mockery of the usual ‘self-centred’ accusations levelled at workaholics.

Kate Devon and Erica Wilson had been good friends. Played tennis at the same club. Opened a small bookshop together in Winchester, specializing in topography and travel–Kate had a geography degree, Erica just liked books. Now Erica ran the shop alone, with a bit of part-time help. They had scraped together enough to buy out Kate’s share; from being passionate about the shop and its stock Kate seemed to lose interest the moment her marriage ended. Tiger thought she might have thrown herself into it more, but it was understandable, Erica said. Too many memories tied up with the shop; easier to make a clean break.

At least she’ll be interested in wherever she’s going, thought Tiger. And she’s bound to have a book on it. Silly thought.

It was as though she read his mind. ‘Funny, isn’t it?’ she asked through the microphone linked to Tiger’s headset. ‘All those books packed full of dreams and now I’m realizing them.’ Kate turned away to look out of the window and he saw her brush at her cheek with the back of her hand.

They spoke little for the next half hour. Occasionally Kate would ask the name of a landmark or a house, and Tiger could usually provide the information she wanted. Then they began to circle the airport until finally he lowered the craft gently onto the apron reserved for helicopters.

They sat for a couple of minutes while the engines cooled, then Tiger shut them down and went round to help her out.

‘It’s been good to see you again,’ Kate said, as they walked across to the terminal building. He held open the door and ushered her into the departure lounge.

‘Give my love to Erica,’ she said. ‘Tell her I miss her.’ Then she kissed him lightly on the cheek, smiled apologetically, and was gone.

‘Doctor Devon, your lunch is ready!’

He could hear the call from the kitchen at the very top of the house. It was like being back at boarding school.