Inspector Morse 12 Death is Now My Neighbour

You do realize I don't know anything definite at all?'

'I don't expect you to. But I'd like to talk. You can understand how I feel, can't you?'

'Of course.'

'And I've been speaking to Julian. There are one or two little preferments perhaps in the offing, if he's elected.'

'Really?'

'But like you, Roy, I don't know anything definite.'

'I understand. But it'll be good to be together again.'

'Oh, yes. Have a drink or two together.'

'Or three?'

'Or four?' suggested Angela Storrs, her voice growing huskier still.

The phone rang at 7.05 p.m.

'Shelly?'

Yes.'

You're on your own?'

You know I am.'

'Denis gone?'

'Left fifteen minutes ago.'

'One or two things to tell you, if we could meet?'

'What sort of things?'

'Nothing definite. But there's talk about a potential benefaction from the States, and one of the trustees met

Denis - met you, I gather, too - and, well, I can tell you all about it when we meet.'

'Allabout it?'

'It's a biggish thing, and I think we may be slightly more likely to pull it off, perhaps, if Denis ...'

'And you'll be doing your best?'

'I can't promise anything.'

'I know that.'

'So?'

'So?'

'So you're free and I'm free.'

'On a night like this? Far too dangerous. Me coming to the Master's Lodge? No chance.'

'I agree. But, you see, one of my old colleagues is off to Greece - he's left me his key -just up the Banbury Road - lovely comfy double-bed - crisp clean sheets -central heating - en suite facilities - mini bar. Tariff? No pounds, no shillings, no pence.'

'You remember pre-decimalization?'

'I'm not too old, though, am I? And I'd just love to be with you now, at this minute. More than anything in the world.'

'You ought to find a new variation on the theme, you know! It's getting a bit of a cliche.'

'Cleeshay', she'd said; but however she'd pronounced it, die barb had found its mark; and Sir Clixby's voice was softer, more serious as he answered her.

'I need you, Shelly. Please come out with me. I'll get a taxi round to you in ten minutes' time, if dial's all right?'

There was silence on die other end of die line.

'Shelly?'

·Yes?'

'Will that be all right?'

'No,' she replied quietly. 'No it won't. I'm sorry.'

The line was dead.

Just before nine o'clock, Cornford rang home from St Peter's:

'Shelly? Denis. Look, darling, I've just noticed in my diary... You've not had a call tonight, have you?'

Shelly's heart registered a sudden, sharp stab of panic.