Page 78 of The Impossible Fortune

‘For now,’ says Elizabeth. ‘A bit of money, some weaponry.’

There is a ring on Joyce’s intercom, and she buzzes someone up.

‘Will you stay for a cup of tea, Donna?’ Joyce asks.

‘Got to be somewhere,’ says Donna. Got to be in London, Joyce, to talk to your new son-in-law about a murder.

‘Of course,’ says Joyce. ‘Can I pack you some cake for your journey? It’s only fruit cake, but I saw it onSaturday Kitchenand thought of you.’

‘That would be lovely,’ says Donna.

‘I walk you to your car,’ says Bogdan.

Donna takes the cake, and she and Bogdan head out and down the stairwell. Can she eat Joyce’s cake before questioning Joyce’s son-in-law? She’ll give it a go. Besides, perhaps Jamie Usher is more of a suspect than Paul Brett now? Donna certainly hopes so. Either way, she’s enjoying her day off. As they leave the building, they practically barrel into Ron.

‘My favourite police officer,’ says Ron, giving her a hug. ‘Mind you, that’s like saying “my favourite Millwall player”.’

Ron and Bogdan share a handshake.

Donna looks at them both. ‘Can I ask you a question, Ron?’

‘If you arrest me,’ says Ron. ‘Sure.’

‘Where did you two go on Saturday? I never quite got to the bottom of it,’ Donna asks.

Bogdan looks at Ron. Ron puts his hand on Bogdan’s arm, as if to take charge.

‘Bowling,’ says Ron.

‘Bowling?’ says Donna. ‘Like ten-pin bowling?’

‘Yes,’ says Ron.

‘Bowling,’ repeats Bogdan. ‘Like ten-pin bowling.’

‘On a Saturday morning?’

‘Half price for pensioners,’ says Ron.

‘Where was this?’ Donna asks.

‘Fairhaven,’ says Ron.

‘Fairhaven,’ agrees Bogdan.

‘Who won?’ Donna asks.

‘I did,’ says Ron.

Bogdan looks at Ron but doesn’t argue.

‘Big win, poor lad,’ says Ron. ‘A lot of it is in the wrist. What you doing at Joyce’s?’

‘Just been telling Elizabeth about a new prime suspect,’ says Donna. ‘Jamie Usher.’

‘Jamie Usher?’ asks Ron. ‘I thought it was Jill Usher?’

‘Elizabeth got it wrong,’ says Donna.