07.03 Faraday finally got through to Gabrielle early the next morning. ‘Where are you?’ he asked. ‘Joe?’ ‘Where are you?’ he repeated. ‘Dans une chambre d’hôte à Salisbury.’ A bed and breakfast in Salisbury. She sounded flustered, defensive, and Faraday was aware of a steeliness in his own voice that he normally reserved for the interview suite. He couldn’t help it though. He had to know what was happening. ‘I’m having my breakfast, chéri. What’s the matter?’ What’s the matter? Faraday wondered where to start. Ten days without a whisper of contact? A dozen or so calls unanswered? Nearly a fortnight without a shred of interest in what might be going on back home? In his own life? What’s the matter? Faraday fought to still the clamour in his head. One thing at a time. ‘How’s Leila?’ ‘Still bad. She’s in hospital here.
