Michael smiled at a man who said nothing but smiled at him – then he joined the cluster that could now board. He found himself walking down the aisle behind someone with a snooker cue in a box – another man, who put it up into the luggage rack and took his place at a table. Michael squeezed into the seat further down and smiled again – a smile he hoped was amiable and innocent, for he must have more whisky now: he had delayed too long, and he needed to drink properly. Crewe was just over two hours away, via Birmingham – getting closer.

The passenger opposite looked at him.

‘Two minutes late,’ said Michael. ‘Not bad.’

7

This man was older, and heavier.

He said, ‘No. They’re not too bad, normally. They let me down a few months ago, but by and large they run to time.’

Michael settled into his seat, and put his bag beside him.

‘How did they let you down?’ he said.

‘Oh, the usual thing. They cancelled the last train. No, they didn’t – they shortened the journey. I wanted to get to Bromsgrove, and they were stopping it early. I said to the guard, or… not the guard – the information woman. I said, “How do I get to Bromsgrove? I’ve paid to get home – I’ve given you twenty-two pounds. That’s a contract, isn’t it?”’

Michael went to respond, but he wasn’t quick enough.

‘She said, “Take a cab,”’ said the man. ‘“And charge the rail company.”’

He laughed, and Michael’s eyes widened.

Again, he went to speak, but the man got in first.

‘I couldn’t believe it,’ he said. ‘I mean, there was no way the rail company would reimburse me for a taxi – but that’s what she said. I said, “Can I have that advice in writing?” Because I thought if that’s the advice you’re giving out, someone needs to bloody educate you.’

‘Did she write it down?’

‘Of course not. She was suddenly too busy, and… you know. You lose the will.’

‘What did you do?’

‘About what?’

‘About getting home to Bromsgrove.’

‘I got a taxi. Thirty-seven pounds. I phoned the company next morning, and they asked me to fill in a form.’

‘Oh, I’ve had that.’