Chapter 96

Wilson, efficient as always, stood by the door, my coat and walking stick in his hands.

“I’ll tell her ladyship something has arisen, shall I, Mr James?”

“Thank you, Wilson. You’re a lifesaver.”

I got into my Mercedes and sped off, anxiety gnawing a hole in my stomach. 25

St Cuthbert’s was an old hospital, a teaching hospital, quite good in its own right, but it was not the usual hospital to which those who worked for my division of NS3 were sent.

“I’m James Trevalyan,” I told the sister in charge. “You’ve one of my people here, Jeremy Tanner.”

“Ah, yes. Mr Tanner. He’s on the orthopaedic ward.”

“I want to see the doctor who’s handling his case, I want to know his prognosis, and I want him transferred to a side room.”

“Mr Bathurst is in theatre just now, Mr Trevalyan.” Her smile was chill, not reaching her eyes. She clearly wanted to know who I thought I was to be making such demands.