They had always spoken casually. It was one of the reasons why Ben enjoyed their meetings. He had wanted to take him for a few pints after his master’s was completed, like soldiers catching up on past victories. But time got away from him and soon the idea – like everything – became history.

‘It has been some time. Where are you working these days?’

There was that question again, only now Ben had an answer.

‘That’s why I’m calling you, Joe. I’m about to write up a report for Doctor Alec Sparling. He told me that you’re the one who recommended me to him.’

‘Alec Sparling,’ he repeated, and Ben could imagine him creaking back in his chair, fingers tugging at his beard.

‘Yeah,’ Ben confirmed, ‘he was assembling a team for a survey.’

‘And he told you that he spoke with me?’

Ben and Chloe looked at one another.

‘That’s right, Joe. That’s what he told me.’

‘I’ve never heard of the man, Ben, and I’ve certainly never spoken to him. Besides, if I were to put your name forward for any work, I would always contact you to let you know.’

‘That’s what I thought.’

No, Benny Boy, there wasn’t a thought in your head when you signed that contract.

‘What work are you doing for him exactly?’

‘Well, that’s the strangest thing. He made us sign confidentiality agreements, so I’m not allowed to talk about it. Not until he gives me the all-clear to do so. It’s a research gig, historically and archaeologically speaking.’

‘That is strange.’

Ben could tell the man was thinking. Cunningham’s gears turned slowly but they always produced worthwhile results; a machine that prided itself on quality over quantity.

‘I have heard that name before,’ he said eventually.

‘You have?’ Ben asked, as both he and Chloe leaned in closer to the phone between them.

‘Oh, it must be two years ago now. One of my students told me that she had been approached by a Doctor Sparling.’

‘What was her name?’

‘Oh,’ he said, as the cogs turned again, ‘Carol Fortune, I believe it was. Yes, such a rare surname. How could I forget?’

‘Do you know what Sparling wanted from her?’

‘Unfortunately, no. She was a history graduate and I thought she might go for the master’s, as you did, but I didn’t see her after that. She was a clever girl, I remember. I must actually chase her down and see where she ended up.’

‘So, Alec Sparling isn’t an academic?’

‘I can assure you, Ben, if he were, I would know about it. I make it my business to keep up with these things.’

‘Okay,’ he said, eyes locked with Chloe’s in concern, ‘thanks for your time, Joe.’

The car ahead had pulled away without either of them noticing. It was Chloe who voiced what they both were thinking.