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pointedly ignored.
    â€˜He’s apologising for not thanking us properly at the time.’
    â€˜This chart shows the timeline we’ll need to follow if we’re to keep pace with the run rate—’
    â€˜And he’s inviting us for a holiday. To India!’
    Sam and Ruby leapt across the room and grabbed Gerald by the elbows. ‘India! We’re going to India?’
    Mr Prisk’s voice petered out. ‘No one’s listening to me, are they? I’ll just arrange for passports and visas then, shall I?’ He collected his briefcase and trudged out of the room in a deep funk.
    Gerald, Sam and Ruby hardly noticed.
    Mrs Rutherford picked up the envelope that Gerald had dropped, placed it on the silver tray and swept out of the library, the merest hint of a smile at her lips.

Chapter 4
    F or the next two days, Avonleigh buzzed with preparations for the trip. Lists were drawn up and checked off. There was a shopping expedition to nearby Bristol to purchase extra light clothes for the Indian summer. Bags were packed, unpacked and repacked. Ruby and Sam talked their parents into letting them go with promises of behaving themselves, not getting into trouble and keeping their rooms tidy for the rest of the year. Gerald guessed that two of the promises were fragile at best.
    Mr Prisk seemed resigned to Gerald not taking any interest in the family business for the foreseeable future. He consoled himself by setting some ground rules for the holiday. He revealed the details over breakfast.
    â€˜Mr Fry’s coming with us!’ Gerald sputtered in a spray of scrambled eggs and parsley. ‘Why does he have to come?’
    Mr Prisk removed a green sprig from his tie with a flick of an index finger. ‘Because, whether you like it or not, you are the executive chairman-in-waiting of Archer Corporation. I intend to ensure you survive long enough to take your place at the board table.’
    Gerald prodded his fork at the remainder of his breakfast. His appetite had deserted him. Over by the sideboard the butler fussed with a variety of trays, muttering to himself.
    â€˜I know you and Mr Fry haven’t hit it off, but this is a necessary security measure. I’m sure the two of you will overcome your differences soon enough,’ Mr Prisk said.
    Fry appeared at Gerald’s elbow like an apparition. ‘Rubbish,’ he said.
    â€˜Pardon me?’ Gerald said.
    â€˜Are you finished with your breakfast, sir, or should I take it to the rubbish?’ Fry said, his face as immovable as porcelain.
    â€˜The corporate jet is being prepared and our in-country agent will meet you at the airport in Delhi,’ Mr Prisk said. ‘I have advised him that discretion is paramount. It is vital that you not stand out.’
    â€˜Why’s that, Mr Prisk?’ Ruby asked.
    â€˜Because, young lady, Gerald is a prime target for kidnappers and extortionists. It will do us no favours if he is seen flouncing about in limousines and the like.’
    Sam looked up from his bowl of cereal. ‘I never took you for a flouncer, Gerald.’
    Gerald tried to suppress a grin. ‘Oh, I used to flounce something shocking,’ he said. ‘But don’t worry Mr Prisk, my flouncing days are behind me now.’
    Mr Prisk took a deep breath and gazed at the ceiling until the giggling stopped.
    â€˜And that is why Mr Fry will be accompanying you,’ he said. ‘He is well skilled in martial arts and he’ll keep a lid on any childish antics.’
    â€˜Terrific,’ Gerald said. ‘Should be quite the holiday then.’ He screwed up his face, but he wasn’t too concerned about the butler. They’d find a way around Mr Fry.
    The trip and the prospect of seeing Alisha Gupta again—in fact, anything that removed the memory of a silver dagger through the throat and a hole in the head—was appealing to Gerald at that moment.
    Ruby’s voice broke into his