‘Sounds like a game of Happy Families,’ Fielding said. ‘With Angel the Actress at the top of the pack.’

There was a knock at the open door, and the office cleaner stuck his head round. ‘Sorry, guv, I didn’t know you were busy. Do you want me to come back later?’

Robertson shook his head. ‘I’ll be busy all night, Jack, so you might as well get it done now while we’re finishing up here. Don’t go overboard, though.’

Jack grinned at Fielding as he emptied the ashtray and gave it a polish. ‘Looking forward to your Cornish trip? All right for some.’

Fielding ignored him and stood up to go. ‘If that’s it, sir, I’ll be off. I’ll check in with you again before I leave on Friday.’

‘No you won’t, because you’re leaving on Thursday. Who knows what this weather will be doing by the end of the week, and I can’t risk any mistakes. I’ve cleared it with your hosts.’ Robertson slid an envelope across the desk. ‘Here’s your train ticket, so get yourself there in good time and make 33sure you’ve got a feel for the place. Detective Chief Inspector Penrose of Scotland Yard is escorting our Hollywood star down on Christmas Eve, and we’ll need plenty of shots of her arriving at the Mount. Penrose is a good friend of Miss St Aubyn and he’s from that part of the world, so keep on the right side of him.’ He smiled at Jack, who had stopped what he was doing at the mention of Hollywood. ‘Yes, I’m sure you’re dying to know who we’re talking about, but you’ll have to wait until Saturday.’

‘She must be someone important if she needs a police escort.’ The cleaner looked curiously at Fielding as he gathered up the rubbish from the waste basket. ‘Are you sure you don’t need someone to carry your bags for the weekend?’ he offered. ‘I’ve got nothing special planned for Christmas.’

‘Thanks, Jack, but I’ve got this one covered.’

‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Robertson said. ‘Seriously, Alex, I’ve stuck my neck out to persuade the boss that this story is worth a generous donation to the Appeal. Don’t let me down. I want you right there on the spot every time she so much as sneezes.’

‘I won’t let her out of my sight,’ Fielding promised. ‘By the time this is over, I’ll know her better than she knows herself.’

34

5

The tearoom was even busier than usual, but for once everyone seemed happy to wait and the season of goodwill lived up to its name. The morning flew by in a flurry of Christmas shoppers, and an assortment of bags and boxes from every store in town spilled out from under the tables, taking up precious floor space. Violet glanced at the clock and was surprised to see that it was already a quarter to twelve – time to brace herself for the lunchtime rush and a different clientele. The shop girls and office clerks were never as patient as the housewives, but at least she’d have room to move without causing an avalanche.