‘Ireland…’ I echoed softly, thinking how relieved Jason would be when I told him. Ruby had recently sent him a birthday card, featuring a Victorian-era painting of a young woman gazing forlornly at a dead bird in her hands. It had unnerved him a little, and had really upset his therapist, who had confided to Jason that it had resulted in several disturbing dreams. I did wonder about Jason’s therapist at times.

‘That’s according to Jenny,’ said Luke.

‘Wow.’ I looked at him wide-eyed, relieved to discover that, sympathy and sorrow for Harriet Lovelock and her children aside, I had received the news of Vincent’s divorce, and Ruby’s suspiciously timed relocation with scandalised interest, rather than any sense of personal distress or connection.

‘Indeed,’ said Luke gravely. ‘And, don’t worry, I shall be sure to keep you updated with further details as and when gleaned.’

‘Thanks.’

‘No bother.’ He offered me a salute as he began to walk away. ‘Bye, Cam,’ he said, as he reached the door. ‘See you tomorrow night.’

‘Yes, looking forward to it,’ said Cameron, looking up, ‘and to seeing Jem again.’

Luke paused for a moment and then looked back at me and smiled. ‘You two,’ he said, tutting and then laughing as he exited.

I watched him go and then wandered over to Cameron’s desk, pulling up a chair and sitting down. ‘What do you think he meant by that?’ I asked, leaning my elbows on the edge of his desk and resting my chin on my hands.

‘Who knows?’ he murmured, his back to me.

‘You working late?’

‘No.’ He reached out and abruptly switched off his screen. ‘In fact, I’m leaving right now. How about you?’ he asked, turning his chair towards me.

I sat up and shook my head. ‘I’ve got a few more things to sort out, ready for Gita and Seb starting on Tuesday.’ I looked around the office. ‘It’s going to be a squeeze until we move.’

‘Can’t whatever it is wait until Monday?’

‘I don’t want to leave it, in case there’s a problem, and I don’t want it hanging over me at the weekend, especially not with Anthony coming to stay.’

Cameron smiled. ‘Oh, yes, Legoland. I’d forgotten about that. Have they told Harry yet?’

I shook my head. ‘I texted Kerry earlier and she says not. Can you imagine the excitement levels when they tell him? I hope they film it.’

He looked at me and smiled in a way which, just for a moment, shook my professionalism to the core. But it was only a moment and then it was back to business.

‘Well,’ I said, pushing back my chair, ‘I’ll let you escape.’

He stood up, reaching for his coat and laptop bag. ‘Don’t work too late,’ he said, slinging his coat over his arm and edging past me.

‘An hour at most.’