‘I’m afraid you don’t understand. It is that magazine in particular that I need for my friend. There is something in it that she would very much like to see, and it’s an old magazine so I can’t buy another copy.’

‘That’s really not my problem is it, mate?’

‘No, love. Your problem seems to be a complete lack of good manners and a mother who didn’t know how to raise her kids right.’

The receptionist, barely older than the patient she was addressing but in possession of an air of authority that belied her youth, got up from behind her desk and approached the young woman with unmistakable intent. She held out her hand.

‘That magazine belongs to the dental practice.’

The young woman tossed it onto the table.

‘The dentist will see you now,’ the receptionist told her. ‘And here’s hoping you need several fillings and extensive root canal work.’

Once they were alone, the receptionist handed the magazine to Clive. He was touched and slightly flustered by her unexpected kindness. He studied her name badge whilst gathering appropriate words to express his gratitude.

‘Thank you so much – Chloe. I’ll bring you a replacement straight away. There’s a newsagent just around the corner . . .’

‘Don’t be daft! It’s just an old magazine. It would have only ended up in the recycling bin.’

‘Well, thank you for persuading the young lady to part with it.’

‘Huh! She’s no lady, she’s just a stroppy little cow. That’s why she’s got a ring in her nose. And anyway, it’s my pleasure. I hope your friend likes it.’

Clive left the surgery with the magazine tucked safely inside his bag and a mental note to take Chloe some flowers next time he was passing.

_______________________

Billie sat in The Tea Leaf staring at the magazine that lay open on the table in front of her. An elegant woman in a well-tailored suit with several strands of pearls around her neck stared back at her from the photographs taken in various rooms of the grand country mansion that she shared with her husband, Lord Longhorn, and their two Siamese cats, Tang and Ming.

‘And you’re absolutely sure that this is the woman who left me outside Madame Burova’s booth?’

Clive sat opposite her, stirring several spoonfuls of sugar into his tea. He nodded earnestly.

‘But it was such a long time ago. How can you be so certain?’

Clive seemed unperturbed by her scepticism.

‘Because I never forget a face.’ He sipped his tea and replaced his cup carefully in its saucer. ‘I used to work for the police, you know.’ He tapped the side of his nose conspiratorially. ‘Undercover, of course.’

_______________________