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He has a hold of some kind over Morrison by implication, sexual. If the Elliotts let him stay on, he will ensure that the garden remains unexcavated. To this they reluctantly agree. Then, just as they're about to leave, an old man turns up, claiming to be a long-lost relative, as indeed he is their father. His return from the supposed dead exposes Kedge's fraud, to which Morrison was party, and the tables seem utterly turned, until Father points out that the house is now his and he has no intention of selling, or evicting Kedge. They are, it seems, former lovers, free to admit as much and live together now Mother is no longer able to come between them.

    "But Mr. Durrance doesn't carry it off very well, does he?"

    "No, Derek. He doesn't."

    "Was Mr. Maidment better?"

    "A lot."

    "I thought so."

    "He was one of the reasons I took the part."

    "And then he died."

    "Yes."

    "Which changed everything."

    "Well, death does, doesn't it?"

    "You're thinking about your son?"

    I stared at Derek in amazement. It was true. Peter had come into my mind, as he often does, peering uncertainly round the corner of a door my thoughts have nudged ajar. I should have realized Derek Oswin would know about him. But somehow I'd failed to.

    "Now it's my turn to apologize."

    "No need." I drained my mug. "I must be going anyway."

    "You have a busy afternoon ahead of you."

    "Quite busy, yes." I stood up. "I'd like to be able to tell my wife you'll stop hanging around the shop."

    "I will. I promise. There'd be no point. Now we've met."

    "Thank you."

    "I hope the play goes well this week."

    "Are you coming to see it?"

    "I wasn't.. . planning to. I haven't got a ticket."

    "I could get you one."

    "Well... that's very generous. Thank you."

    "What night would suit you best?"

    Derek thought for a moment. "Wednesday?"

    "Wednesday it is. The ticket will be waiting for you at the box office."

    "OK. I'll look forward to that." He rose and extended his hand. "It's been an honour meeting you, Mr. Flood." We shook.

    "Next time, approach me direct."

    "Will there be a next time?"

    "I don't see why not." He wore such a look of puppy-dog eagerness that I added, before I could stop myself, "You could join us after the show on Wednesday. We'll make up a little party and have a meal somewhere."

    "Are you serious?"

    I smiled to reassure him. "Yes."

    "Gosh. That really is generous. Thanks a lot."

    "Until Wednesday, then."

    "Until Wednesday. Meanwhile' he grinned "I'll try out some other cafes."

    "You do that."

    "Apologize to Mrs. Flood for me, will you?"

    I nodded. "I'll be sure to."

    For a man as thoroughly duped as I'd initially been by Derek Oswin, I felt surprisingly pleased with myself as I headed south down London Road. I'd solved Jenny's problem for her and reckoned I could capitalize on her gratitude. Roger Colborn's absence on unspecified business I counted as a distinct advantage. True, I hadn't turned up anything to his discredit, as I'd hoped I might, but there was still every reason to suppose I could manoeuvre Jenny into seeing me again. I cut through the Open Market to reach The Level, buying a juicy Cox's Orange Pippin on the way, which I munched sitting on a bench near the playground. Then I rang her.

    "Hi."

    "Jenny, it's me."

    "I hope you've got better news than I think you have."

    "As a matter of fact, I have."

    "Really?"

    "I've spoken to him, Jenny. His name's Derek Oswin. He's harmless. A bit weird, like you said, but basically OK. And he's going to stop bothering you. I have his word on that."

    "What's that worth?"

    "You won't have any more trouble with him. You have my word as well as his."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Positive."

    "Well.. ." Her tone softened. "Thanks, Toby. Thanks a lot."

    "My pleasure."

    "Derek Oswin, you say? I don't know the name."

    "You wouldn't."

    "Why's he been doing this?"

    "It's a long story. Which I'd be happy to share with you. We could go into it over lunch."

    "Lunch?"

    "Why not? You