He looked up rather myopically as she put her head round the door, removing the thick-lensed spectacles to blink at her in surprise. 'You're early aren't you?' he asked, trying to focus on the dial of his pocket watch. 'I thought you were going to Liz's party.' Abby tried to keep her tone light. 'I was. I did. I just came home sooner than I expected, that's all.' 'Why?' Professor Gillespie scratched his scalp through the thinning strands of grey hair. 'Wasn't it any good? I thought you usually enjoyed Liz's company.' 'I do, usually,' agreed Abby, withdrawing her head again, in two minds whether to mention Rachid to her father or not. 'I'm going to make some coffee,' she called. 'Do you want some?' 'I'd rather have cocoa at this time of the night,' replied her father absently. 'It's ten o'clock. I think I'll have a sandwich.' 'I'll make it,' Abby assured him, her voice drifting back to him as she walked into the kitchen.
