‘I’m … I’m not sure … they just might, but I’m certain they’ll come to the Hall and have a look around and ask questions, so just get rid of it to Bella and we’ll both be quite safe. If they were to question you and you slipped up, then they’d search your room, and if they were to find the stuff then you’d be in serious trouble, and that means that I would be as well. Serious trouble, Gina.’

‘James, where are you? Are you still in London, at your place in Pimlico?’

‘No, I told you, the police were there. I’m lying low at a friend’s place.’

‘James, when I rang the other day, who was that woman?’

‘What? What does that matter? Just go and get the stuff and take it to Bella and do it now.’

‘James—’

‘Please, Gina, just go and do that, for both our sakes. I’m not joking: the police could turn up any time. Can you do that for me, please, sweetheart? Just go and do it now, please.’ He was pleading and Gina felt suddenly breathless and very frightened. This was really happening and she could be arrested; they both could.

‘Right … right, I’m going now. I promise I’m doing that now, James, as soon as I’ve put the phone down.’

‘Good girl. I’ll come up and find you as soon as I can and I promise I’ll be very, very grateful. Now go!’

‘Yes … yes … I’m going.’ She put down the phone and stood trembling, her heart pounding.

Right, I’ve got to go now … with the stuff … to Bella.

She rushed out into the corridor and along to the door at the back of the hall. Coco, hearing her footsteps, gave a little bark and Edith called, ‘Gina, dear?’

Gina ran through the door and down the steps, past the kitchen, where Mrs Bassett was rolling out pastry and the delicious smell of chops grilling for lunch hung in the air.

‘Gina, love, is that you? Would you be able to …?’