Ashley hummed under his breath as he galloped up the stairs to 110, Eileen’s room.
         “May I take the tea things, madam?”
         “Did you knock before you came in?”
         “Yes, I did, Mrs Connaught,” Ashley lied.
         “You should have knocked again and waited.”
         “I’m sorry, madam. I’ll only disturb you for a moment.” He lowered himself onto his haunches to load the tray. “A lovely surprise for you to see your granddaughter.”
         “I wish she had let me know she was coming.”
         “I expect she will next time. No biscuits?” He had picked up the full plate. “I don’t know, all you ladies watching your figures.” The other old girls loved it when he teased them gently.
         “I don’t care for them. All that sugar’s so bad for one’s teeth.”
         “Yes, watch out for those harmful substances.” He looked up at Eileen, straight into the eyes which had seen him commit murder, fearful yet exhilarated by what he might encounter there: recognition, accusation, retribution. She wasn’t even looking at him. He stood up. “Thank you, madam.”
         “Goodbye,” she murmured inappropriately as he was closing the door.