‘Miss Lee, please set up a meeting for two o’clock this afternoon, in my office with all senior history personnel, together with Chief Farrell and Major Guthrie, if they’re free.
‘Dr Dowson, here’s a list of information I need from you as soon as possible, please.
‘All of you to clear your diaries for at least the next fortnight.
‘Dr Peterson, could I see you in my office at your earliest convenience?
‘Miss Lee, please telephone Dr Black at Thirsk and ask her to contact me when she has a moment.
‘Tomorrow morning, first thing, we start our new assignment. Thank you, everyone.’
I never thought they’d let me get away with it, but it was worth a try.
‘We have a new assignment? Already? That was quick. I thought we’d get a bit of time off, at least.’
There was muttering. I let them mutter. I knew what our new assignment was. Gradually, silence fell. I let it settle. Tim got it first, but he knew me very well.
‘You’re kidding!’
‘Nope!’
‘How did you wangle that?’
‘Wangle what?’ demanded Van Owen. ‘What’s going on?’
I grinned at her.
‘Come along, Miss Van Owen, think for a minute.’
They all just stared at me. It was a wonderful moment.
I held up the file. As I once said to Dr Bairstow – deep down, very deep down, I was having a shit-hot party.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to Troy.’
THE END