‘Barbara saw my work in the Rotary Art Show.’ The voice comes from next to my ear and I jump. I’ve been focused on Barbara and hadn’t noticed Fiona moving to stand close behind me.

‘Who else knows, Alex? Other than Monty and Mister Porter, who have you spoken to?’

I’m debating what to say, whether to pretend that Giles, Kev and whoever else I can think of are in on things, or if saying it will make my current situation worse. But Barbara must be able to see it on my face, because she smiles.

‘Well that’s good. I’m sure we can come up with a story that will keep Monty happy, and you can handle your friend, can’t you Alex?’

‘Barbara …’

‘Alex, let me be perfectly clear.’ Barbara’s tone is light and matter-of-fact, as though she’s talking about the weather. ‘You’ve messed this up, and no matter what we say Monty will be suspicious, so Fiona and I will have to sit tight for a while. However …’ Suddenly her voice becomes icy and hard and she takes a single step closer to me. ‘You will not ruin everything I have worked for. You agreed to be part of my team and either that stands or I will destroy you. If you thought your reputation was shot last time, that’s nothing to what I can do.’ She steps back and regards me with a critical eye, as though looking for meaning in a work of abstract expressionism. ‘Don’t be stupid, Alex.’

Fiona’s standing at my shoulder; I can feel her breathing. I already know she’s fast, but if I make a break for it, I can find Giles – or even Robert Swindon – and get my story out first. With John and the evidence of the paintings to back me up, people will have to believe me. But almost as I’m thinking it, I also remember how I was dismissed last time, how even though I was ultimately believed, I was still the pariah. And I remember earlier tonight, John turning away and Sue’s exultant face.

‘People will see the paintings and know.’ My voice shakes and I hope Barbara doesn’t notice.

‘Did I mention I asked Monty to move the paintings into my office for safe keeping? Just until everything is sorted out. Such a polite young man. And of course, Ms Buchanan’s death has already been ruled a suicide. With your reputation, who do you think people will believe?’

For a moment, staring at Barbara’s benign smile, one corner of my brain toys with the idea of the job. What if? Why not? I’d just do the job, maybe wait for a better time to expose the forgery caper if they start up again.