‘Just like that,’ he repeated, giving her his best Tommy Cooper impression.

‘So,’ said Angela. ‘You said that you enjoyed intimate relations last night?’

‘I did.’

‘And where did you meet your partner?’

‘At a speed-dating session. We struck up a conversation, went for a drink afterwards and there we are. Smash bang.’

Angela stared at him and had to admit to herself that he seemed to be both telling the truth and very happy about it.

‘Again, very sudden,’ she said. ‘Although, as we’ve said, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. May I ask what the girl’s name is?’

‘Shane,’ said Nelson.

‘Shane is a boy’s name.’

‘Yes, he’s a boy. Well, a man. I mean, he’s my age. Twenty-two.’

‘Right.’ Angela nodded and thought about this. ‘So you’re in a gay relationship?’

‘Labels, labels, labels,’ replied Nelson with a sigh. ‘Must we label everything? I’m in a relationship with someone I like and yes, he happens to be a man. I had sex with a man and really enjoyed it. Does that make me gay?’

‘It probably does, yes.’

‘Fine. Then yes. I guess I’m gay.’

‘Congratulations.’

‘Why are you congratulating me?’

‘On being gay.’

‘Is that something that’s worthy of congratulation?’

‘Well, on coming out, then.’

‘Right,’ he said. ‘Thanks, I suppose. Only I don’t know if I have literally come out, as you say, which is such an old-fashioned term, when you think about it.’

‘Quite. Well, you seem very happy. And that’s a positive thing.’

‘I’m a new man. So much so that when I was travelling here on the Tube, I struck up a conversation with a pretty girl and it went very smoothly. Had I wanted to ask her out, I’m sure I could have done so.’

‘And did you want to?’

‘Of course not. I’m gay now, remember?’

‘Yes. Sorry.’

‘Also, you may have noticed that I’m dressed as myself.’

‘I had noticed that, yes. And I’m very pleased.’

‘I feel like I’m cured.’

‘You certainly seem … altered,’ she admitted. ‘Meeting this Shane fellow has clearly done you the world of good. But I’d hesitate to say that you’re cured. Let’s just say that you’ve had a breakthrough. I’m glad that I’ve been helpful to you.’

‘Oh, it’s had nothing to do with you,’ said Nelson with a shrug. ‘No offence, but we barely know each other.’

‘Still. The breakthrough came on my watch, so to speak.’

He nodded. ‘If you need the validation, that’s fine. Take it.’

Angela pursed her lips and began to re-evaluate who was currently her least favourite Cleverley.

‘So what will you do now?’ she asked. ‘For work, I mean?’

‘As it happens, I’ve already got another job.’

‘You have? That was quick.’

‘Well, I have to pass a physical and take a written examination. But I think I’ll be fine. I’m quite healthy, really.’

‘And what are you going to be?’

‘A policeman.’

‘And why a policeman, if I might ask?’