She’d had no choice. But she hated John with a bloodied, visceral contempt, as powerful as a fist.

She looked out again. She’d have to get past him. There was a fire escape, but that led nowhere. If she left with the others, she could hide behind them, safety in numbers. Or ask one of the partners if she could leave with him. John wouldn’t dare approach her if she was with another man.

‘Hurry up, Miss Fisher,’ Miss Scott said. ‘I need to lock the room.’

Betty pulled her bag from the desk drawer, and the cardigan off the back of her chair. She’d used her lunch hour to type out two articles, one for the U & LR, one for Peace News, and the folder sat on her desk. She picked it up as Miss Scott raised an eyebrow.

‘When I gave you permission to use the company typewriter on personal business, Miss Fisher,’ she said, ‘I rather imagined it to be a short letter or something similar.’

Betty smiled. ‘I used my own paper,’ she said. She walked past her, into the Ladies, locking the door behind her. She’d wait here. John would see the other women leave and think he’d missed her, and with luck he’d go on his way.

‘Miss Fisher.’ There was a knock on the door and Miss Scott called out, ‘I just need a brief word with you, when you’re ready.’

Apart from using the company typewriter, in her own time, with her own paper, Betty knew her work was exemplary. Still, she felt nervous. Miss Scott had made it clear when Betty was staying with her that friendship was off limits, and she’d maintained a professional distance ever since. Betty pulled the lavatory chain, waited a moment, unlocked the door.

‘Sorry to rush you,’ Miss Scott said. ‘Or intrude. I forgot to tell you that a gentleman rang.’

‘Oh?’

‘You know we don’t permit personal calls. Fortunately, he didn’t want to talk to you. Just to confirm that you still worked here.’ She pointed with her hand, walk along.

‘Did he give a name?’

‘I didn’t catch it,’ she said. ‘Some foreign name.’

They reached the staircase. Betty grabbed the bannister. ‘What did you tell him?’

‘I referred him to one of the partners. I said I wasn’t authorised to give that kind of information.’

‘Thank you,’ Betty said. Miss Scott opened the street door. John was leaning against the railings.

‘Would you like me to accompany you to the Tube?’ She looked at Betty through the side of her eye, a glance that said, I’ve been there too.