The following morning nothing was mentioned, but Sam seemed to have an extra sparkle in her eye. An extra spring in her step. And Tiger’s mind was racing. Should he say anything? Best not. Best let it lie. Try to pretend it was nothing more than some flight of fancy after a glass too many.

But as they flew the helicopter back to Southampton he would glance at her occasionally when she wasn’t looking, and enjoy her close proximity. He knew they were foolish thoughts. Knew they might lead him into trouble. But at the same time he felt exhilarated. Alive. Invigorated. Twenty years younger. The warning bells should have been ringing loudly at the catalogue of clichés that were running through his mind. But they were not. Or if they were, he was blocking them out. He hoped that he and Sam would be able to work together again. He must work out how they could.

Ellie took the phone call at four o’clock in the afternoon. ‘Dad? It’s for you. The Royal Infirmary.’

He took the handset from her, fearing the worst. ‘Dr Devon? This is Mark Armstrong, the houseman at the Royal.’

‘Hello. Yes?’

‘I’m afraid it’s bad news. Dr Silverwood died an hour ago. Quite suddenly. We got him through the night and thought there was some hope he’d pull through, but then I’m afraid he took a turn for the worse and there was, well, nothing we could do. I’m so sorry. His next of kin have been informed, but I thought you’d like to know as well.’

‘Right. Thank you.’ Christopher put down the phone.

‘Is it serious?’ asked Ellie.

‘Yes, sweetheart. It’s very serious.’

Chapter 13

Meaningful relationships between men and women don’t last.

There’s a chemical in our bodies that makes it so we get on each other’s nerves sooner or later.

Woody Allen, 1935–

Gary was not disappointed by the reactions of Tiger and Christopher that evening. Their jaws could scarcely have been lower as Sarah sat down next to him at the table in the Hare and Hounds. Why they chose this particular pub none of them could recall. But it was conveniently situated, and while not being especially grand it had a decent log fire during every month with an ‘R’ in it, the regulation number of horse brasses and copper warming pans on the wall and a good pint of real ale in the pump. They usually commandeered a table in the far corner to the right of the fireplace where they could see the comings and goings as well as the spots on the dominoes.

Christopher had nearly rung to cancel, but Ellie said that she wanted an evening to pamper herself, and he knew that would mean at least three hours in the bathroom.