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Don’t worry about me. But how are you going to get back? I need to go to Griff, and—’
    â€˜That’s sorted. I’ll take him back,’ Freya said, blushing again. ‘Blues and twos if necessary. One of my officers will take you over to Ashford, Lina, and—’
    â€˜No, thanks, I’d rather drive over myself. Then I can bring him home. Or it might be better to take him to his friend over in Tenterden, out of harm’s way. I’ll leave details with whoever’s looking after him in Ashford, shall I?’
    And they were gone, without so much as a backward glance.
    So how did I feel about that? I was sure Freya would have a quotation to suit, however.

SEVEN
    G riff’s partner, Aidan, appears like a sympathetic Cheshire cat whenever Griff has a health crisis. I’ve learned to put up with it. After all, I have the better part of the bargain – I’m with Griff when he’s well and wonderful fun; Aidan gets him when he’s frail and tetchy.
    So I didn’t have too many reservations about phoning Aidan from A and E, and telling him about the assault.
    â€˜But your cottage has cameras where other people just have household dust,’ he objected. ‘However did the assailant gain access?’
    â€˜That’s just what I’d like to know,’ I said grimly, though pleased he’d referred to the cottage as ours, not just Griff’s, as he used to do. ‘As would the police. I’ve not had a chance to talk to him yet – he’s still in the hands of the medics.’
    â€˜But he isn’t in danger?’ You could actually hear the anxiety in Aidan’s voice. I might not like the man, but he’s certainly devoted to Griff; he probably tolerated me for much the same reason.
    â€˜Absolutely not. At least, that’s what they’ve told me. They’re just stitching up a cut over his eyebrow. He’s going to look pretty weird for the next few days.’ I paused. I knew what was coming, largely because I’d just opened the door to the suggestion.
    â€˜Do you suppose a few days in Tenterden might be beneficial?’
    Excellent. ‘I can’t think of anything better, Aidan. Followed by a couple of days with you in London. He deserves a treat. Last time he was there it was in the company of Miles Winterton, and he didn’t enjoy it much. Apparently Miles has become teetotal.’
    â€˜Has he indeed!’
    â€˜And is marrying Caro.’ I paused to allow that to sink in. ‘He’s giving them an African lavatory.’
    â€˜What a very appropriate comment, as it were!’ He gave the rich chuckle that I’d once absolutely hated, but which now made me join in. ‘And it was your idea? Of course it was! My dear Lina, you are so good for him.’
    â€˜As you are. I know you won’t let him eat or drink too much, but you’ll indulge him in other ways and he’ll come back full of energy to a nice clean cottage. I think it’ll take a specialist cleaner to tackle the carpet.’
    â€˜I’ll get the firm I use to contact you.’
    â€˜Tell you what, Aidan – email me their details and I’ll contact them. You never know,’ I added. ‘After all, Chummie knows there’s literally blood on the carpet, and pretending to be a cleaner could be a dodge he might use to try to get in.’
    â€˜You are such a credit to him, my dear. Now, you will tell me how he goes on and when I can expect him?’
    â€˜He can tell you himself,’ I said, joy at the sight of Griff emerging into the waiting area making me generous. I passed over the phone to Griff’s more bandaged hand. After all, I could hold the other.
    The van wasn’t exactly the sleek Mercedes Aidan would have conveyed Griff in, but we always kept overnight bags in the back, just in case we were ever trapped in bad weather miles from anywhere, and it was, of course, already parked