‘Have you noticed anything different about him lately?’ He watches me, and I cut a branch from the Judas tree. I don’t like this Tom, this logical doing his job Tom, but I understand this Tom. I shake my head, telling him no, but at the same time my stomach rolls over. Allan’s restless behaviour is down to the miscarriage. It has to be. He wouldn’t turn. He isn’t a communist and he’s never had a leaning that way. Tom knows this. He doesn’t need to ask. He knows Allan like he does me.

‘Be careful when you head back to Moscow next week.’

I take a deep breath. This isn’t a game. ‘You be careful too.’

He turns to me and says, ‘Always.’ Our glances meet then we look away, walking towards the walled garden where I can see Mrs Hoskine giving instructions, then I hear the sound of wheels on the drive.

‘Your guest has arrived.’

‘Yes.’ I pick up my pace and head into the courtyard between the house and the cottage. Through the gate in the wall I watch my new minder step out of the taxi. Lean but short. I hadn’t expected short. He is not much taller than I am. His hair is thick and as he turns to look at the house, I see intelligence in his eyes. His glance takes in the view, the garden before spotting me watching him.

‘Joan?’ His accent is east coast, Boston at a guess.

‘Yes.’ I walk forward with Tom a few steps behind me. ‘Welcome to Boskenna.’ I extend my hand.

‘Beautiful.’ He says, staring at me.

‘Yes, we are very lucky with the location.’

‘Tom.’ George nods.

‘Good journey from Penzance?’ Tom drops his cigarette and stubs it out with his foot.

‘The train was comfortable.’

‘Do come in.’ I lead him through the front door and drop my flower trug on the table. ‘Would you like a drink, or should I show you to your room first?’

His glance takes in everything. ‘Room please.’ He raises the bag in his hand.

‘Of course, follow me.’ I lead him to the front staircase and stop on the bottom step. ‘I’m afraid I’ve had to put you in one of the attic rooms as we are at full capacity.’ I smile. ‘But the advantage is that you have a bird’s eye view from there.’ As a child I had loved the room I was putting him in. Although the ceilings are low the view is spectacular, and I could survey my domain.