‘Yes, well I think he knows that now and it won’t do any good to keep going on about it. The glazier’s coming to fit new glass this afternoon and so we should be safe by tonight.’

‘Have you made sure it’s reinforced glass?’

‘Tiger, I’m not completely incapable. I can get a new window fitted.’

‘And what about the man in black? Any sign of him?’

‘No. None. And if he does come back you can be sure he won’t be going anywhere until I’ve asked him a few questions.’

‘No,’ said Tiger. ‘Don’t make him suspicious. We don’t want to frighten him off.’

‘Tiger, that’s exactly what I do want to do. If it is him who’s responsible I don’t want him thinking he can intimidate me by lobbing a brick through my window.’

‘Erica, you don’t know what he’ll do next. I don’t want you getting involved.’

‘I think it’s bit late for that. I am involved. More than you at the moment. And it’ll take us all afternoon to clear the broken glass out of the window.’

He felt deflated. Detached from it all. Unable to connect with Erica who was clearly rattled by his attitude.

‘Look, I’m sorry I’m not there. I’ll be back by the end of the week. But just don’t do anything…you know…hasty.’

‘So when are you back?’

‘Friday afternoon. These guys finish here on Friday lunchtime and I’ll fly them back then.’

‘Right. It’ll be good to see you.’

‘The only thing is…’

‘Yes?’

‘Would you mind if I went to play dominoes? Only I want to talk through all this with the guys and see if they have any ideas.’

‘No. Fine. If that’s what you want to do.’

He could hear the disappointment in her voice. ‘I won’t be late back. And, anyway, I’ll see you for an hour or so before I go.’

‘It’s up to you.’

He should have been more thoughtful but his mind was focussed and his vision was blinkered. And, anyway, she didn’t sound very welcoming right now.

Sam Ross was a natural. She handled the Jet Ranger with practised precision and Tiger commented, at the end of their second flight, ‘I don’t know why I’m here. You don’t need me at all.’

‘I should hope not,’ she replied with an amused grin. ‘Far too independent.’

‘Well, next week you’ll be on your own. The second helicopter’s being serviced now and she’ll be ready on Monday.’