Tom appeared a few minutes after I started chatting with Pippa again. “Bloody women, always talking, get some work done.” His face was as straight as a poker but his eyes were twinkling.

“This is a university, Professor Agnew, it’s the undergraduates who should be working, we’re just here to supervise.”

“I’ve met one or two lecturers who seemed to really have that attitude. So have you had a look round?”

“Yes thank you.”

“And,” his eyes bored right through me.

“Okay.”

“Okay? Okay? Okay what?”

“Okay, I’ll come to lunch.”

“Fine, that’s just fine and dandy.”

“Where are we eating?”

“The pub out on the Gosport road, the Baker’s Bollocks or something.”

“Baker’s Arms, perchance?”

“Something like that. Are we eating or having a quiz?”

“I’m waiting for some old fart to escort me to my luncheon, it isn’t you perchance?”

“Oi, less of the old. Come along then daughter dear,” he crooked his arm and I linked mine through it. “Your car or mine?”

“Mine, if you think I’m going in that ancient death-trap in this outfit, you’ve got another think coming.”

“You could of course always take it off…” he said his eyes sparkling.

“And you could buy yourself a new car, it’s not as if you go off road in it any more, is it?”

“Why should I? Agatha goes perfectly well.”

“Oh come off it, Tom, it gives off more emissions than a coal fired power station. I thought we were trying to save the planet.”

“Yes, we are. You see I have the dilemma, if I buy a new car then it’s using new resources and energy to manufacture and deliver it; whereas if I continue using Agatha, I only burn fuel.”

“Yes, about the same as a jumbo jet taking off, and as much oil as fuel.”

“Agatha doesn’t use much oil?”

“Not compared to the American plastics industry, or possibly Shanghai province. Besides, the Mondeo is more comfortable on your aching bones.” I had to stifle a snigger when I saw him stiffen at the last bit.

“You are only as old as you feel, and I still feel like a twenty year old.”

“So do I,” I said smirking, and he aimed a slap at my head which I ducked.

We were half way through our lunch, Tom and his curry and me and my tuna; when my phone peeped indicating a text. I wasn’t expecting one, so I paused in my munching to check my phone.

‘Stel is askn to c u urgently, cn u go 2dy? Lol S.’

“Oh!” I exclaimed.

“What’s up?”

“Simon has just asked me to go and see Stella, apparently she has been asking to see me.”

“And?”

“I’ll have to go, won’t I? I mean I was almost persona non grata so I’m quite pleased to see her.”

“Do you want me to come? You’ve been quite tired lately, and I don’t want you overdoing it.”

“I’m sure I’ll cope.” I began to finish my lunch, besides you’ve had a drink.”

“It was only a pint of Guinness for goodness’ sake.”

“I’ll be okay, you have work to do, besides, if I do it easily, I’ll come back to work next week.”

“We’ll see.” Tom almost glowered at me.

“If I get tired, I’ll stop and have a nap–does that satisfy you?”

“It isn’t about my satisfaction, it’s about your health. You’ve been ill.”

As he spoke a waitress came to collect the crocks, “Excuse me, do I look ill to you?” I asked her.

She stepped back bemused and shook her head, “Not as far as I can see madam, but I’m not a doctor.” I was about to take the moral high ground when Tom trumped me.

“See, she’s not a doctor.”

“Neither are you,” I countered. “Look, I’m going, so drink up or you have along walk ahead. Oh by the way..”

He stood up and finished the dregs in his glass, “Yes, what?”

I kissed him on the cheek, “Thank you for the flowers, they’re lovely.”

“You got them then?”

“Yes, mid morning, I fell asleep...”

“See, you do get tired.”

“Yes, but I’ve had a nap, so I should be okay.”

“I’m really not happy about this. I’m coming, too.”

“Have you been unconscious then? I suppose you might as well have been for all the notice you take of me.”

“Cathy, I have no idea what you’re on about.”

“You said you were, coming to, isn’t that what people do from unconsciousness? I said I’d be okay, you just won’t listen.”

“I listen, but make my own judgements. As your superior and in loco parentis, I’ve made my decision, I am coming with you.”

“You’re not insured to drive this car,” I said as we drove up to the university.

“I am on my own insurance, give me the keys.”

“I’m driving.”

“Fine, you can drive, just give me the keys.”

“Why?”

“So you don’t sneak off before I come out again.”

“I give you my word.”

“Sorry girl, let’s have the keys.” He held out his hand and I placed them in it. “I don’t want you trying to prove a point.”

I felt an element of indignation, but he was right, despite promising to stay, I’d have gone as soon as he was inside the building. I sent a text to Simon saying we were going. Tom came trotting back, with his brief case. I queried it. “She’s only asking to see you, I’ll stay in the car and do some work.”

“What if she’d like to see you as well?”

“You can always come and get me if that happens.”

In some ways I was glad to have him with me. The journey is tedious at best and we chatted as I drove. We arrived at the clinic and I parked the car. I went into reception. “Hello, I’ve come to see Stella Cameron.”

“I think she’s gone out, I’ll just check for you.”

“What do you mean she’s gone out? I’ve just come haring up here because her brother told me she wanted to see me urgently, I’ve just spent two hours in a hot car, for nothing.”

“I’m sorry, madam, she is allowed to go out and it is a pleasant day, so she’s gone for a walk with one of the nurses. I’m sure she won’t be long, would you care to wait? We could probably get you a drink, tea or a cold one?”

“I have someone in the car with me.”

“I’m sure we could manage two teas, madam.”

“Okay, two teas then, I’ll get my friend.”

I stormed out to the car.

“Who’s taken your lollipop?” said Tom, eyes twinkling.

“She’s not bloody well here.”

“Oh, where is she?”

“Out for a walk, with a flippin’ nurse.”

“So we wait?”

“Yes, inside, they’re getting us a cuppa.”

“Oh well, not all is lost.” He put his work back in his case and shut it in the boot of the car. “Shall we adjourn for tea?”

I shrugged and walked to the clinic with him. I’ll murder Stella when I see her.