‘I expect his age is a good part of it,’ said Jepson. He ate the jam roll neatly and at speed, but pulled a face after sipping the cocoa.

‘We’re closing,’ announced the man behind the counter.

‘It’s on me,’ said Jepson, taking his wallet from his pocket. ‘Really,’ he added, firmly.

They stood for a few minutes in the street outside, the pavements empty, the other shops already locked and shuttered. Someone was singing ‘Roll Out the Barrel’ in the pub on the corner – a slow and phlegmy rendition that made Vee want to clear her throat.

‘Would you like to wait a little longer?’ asked Jepson.

‘Do you think I should?’

‘No. I imagine that he lost his nerve and decided not to go through with it.’

‘But what if he sends another letter?’

‘Then I’ll come with you to meet him and we’ll send him packing.’

‘But what if—?’

The pavement began to vibrate, and they both turned to see a bulky vehicle moving along the street towards them, the dim blue bulb of the streetlight revealing a crane jib affixed to the flatbed of a lorry. It juddered past just as an ambulance bell became audible, heading west.

Vee met Jepson’s eye. ‘I think we should go home,’ she said. ‘“Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”’

‘I think you’re right.’

It wasn’t until they boarded the bus back to Hampstead that she saw he was looking faintly amused.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘Nothing,’ he said, waiting until she was seated before sitting down himself. ‘It’s just …’

‘What?’

‘You and Noel. Always quoting.’

‘Oh.’ She found herself smiling. It wasn’t the end to the day that she’d expected.

The elderly woman who answered the door of the last house on Robin Street was wearing a rather elegant turban with matching dressing-gown, and the expression of someone dragged from a dinner party.

‘Yes?’

‘Miss Newton?’ asked Winnie.

‘That is my name.’

‘We’re just checking every damaged house to make sure there are no undeclared casualties. You live here with your sister?’

‘Yes.’

‘And neither of you are injured or shocked?’

‘No. Is that all you require? Only we have spent the entire evening sweeping up glass and plaster, and I’m rather fatigued, not to mention more than a little surprised that your call has taken place so many hours after the rocket fell.’

‘We’ve been busy, I’m afraid. Is there anyone else staying at the house?’

‘Why would there be anyone else staying in our house? What on earth are you implying?’

‘I’m not implying anything.’ Winnie walked back down the path and paused to chalk ‘CDS’ on the gate-post.

‘Whatever are you doing to my wall?’ asked Miss Newton.

‘It means I’ve checked the house and you won’t be disturbed again. Council Repairs will be around in the morning.’

‘Wash that off immediately!’

Winnie ignored her and turned the corner into Swift Road, thinking of Smiler’s usual adage when faced with public recalcitrance – ‘Anyone who expects gratitude’s a mug’ – and then thinking of Smiler, and walking faster.