The case weighed a ton. Lugging it down the stairs, three people asked me if I was going on my holidays. I wished I’d told Maggie to meet me in the car park. I showed my ID to the gateman at the hospital and asked if he’d look after the case while I parked. It would save me carrying it about quarter of a mile. He suggested I park inside the grounds, so for once I abused the privileges of power. Annabelle was propped up by pillows. Twice in one day,’ she croaked. ‘I am honoured.’ I kissed her forehead. ‘Is your throat still sore?’ She nodded. ‘Well, don’t try to speak.’ I refilled her glass with juice and passed it to her. I nodded towards the case. ‘I asked Margaret Madison, one of my WPCs, to help me with the clothes. I think she’d like to borrow some of your outfits.’ ‘She’s welcome…’ I interrupted her: ‘Unfortunately she’s slightly broader across the beam than you are.’ It was more comfortable for both of us if I sat on the edge of the bed.
