"Diana didn't say where specifically," Barbara began dragging a brush through her hair, "but she mentioned breaking and entering. Why is anyone's guess - unless they've found something of use, such as perfectly fine engine parts they could sell, or wasted food."

Once her hair was out of her eyes and somewhat presentable, she found their cardigans and her handbag. At the door, she passed Ian his coat after she'd fished the cheque book from the telephone drawer and put it in her bag.

"Let's just get them out. We can sort out what to do with them once we're home," she told Ian, pulling on her own coat.