Ursula waved to a group on the other side of the bar, who waved back.

“You know a lot of people here,” Alice said, “don’t you?”

Ursula surveyed the room, her mouth curving into a half smile, then she grew serious. “Yes, I suppose I do. Although there are some individuals I’d never mix with on the other side of that green door, and I’ve seen things I would have preferred to avoid, but this unlikely group are the closest I’ve got to family.”

Alice nodded. “I know.”

“But I don’t think you do.” Ursula’s cheerful bravado was replaced with candor. “It’s the only place where people like me can really be ourselves, free of prying eyes and prejudice. The only place where we can show and receive affection, and not be judged.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right, I don’t know, but I’m glad I came. And I’m glad you’ve trusted me enough to be yourself around me.”

“Hmm, wish I could say the same to you!” Ursula replied and rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.

They were sipping their drinks, listening to conversations ebb and flow around them, when the card winner suddenly materialized.

Ursula smiled at her and kissed her cheek. “Alice, this is Bridget.”

Bridget extended her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Alice,” she said in a rich, velvety tone. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Her face was angular, a wide brow set above intense green eyes. She was taller than Ursula, by a good foot or so, and dressed conservatively: navy trousers and a cornflower-blue blouse with an exquisite diamond leaf brooch pinned near her collarbone. This outfit was in keeping with her medical profession, which Ursula had mentioned. See, Alice thought, I am getting the hang of reading people. “Pleased to meet you too,” she said, then blurted, “We’re on the lookout for criminals.”

Ursula and Bridget exchanged a look, and Ursula whispered something to her before she placed a Sobranie between her lips.

Bridget leaned forward so Alice could hear her. “I’m sorry about your situation.”

“Thank you . . . and that reminds me, I really should go,” she said, looking at her watch; she was meeting Joe Stevenson in less than twelve hours’ time.

Ursula rolled her eyes. “You can’t go yet, we’re not finished!”

“It was nice to meet you, Bridget,” Alice said. “I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

“Likewise.”

They shook hands, then Alice turned to Ursula. “Are you sure about everything I told you?”

“If I don’t hear from you by four o’clock, I will go to Marylebone Lane Police Station and ask for Sergeant Mildred Burns—she knows everything.”

Alice quickly nodded and gave them both a reassuring smile.

“You be careful, then,” said Bridget.

“I will.”