Chapter 1London, January 1936
“Time for elevenses! Can I tempt you to a cup of tea, Mr. Smith? It’s nice and fresh since I’m starting at this end of the corridor today. And would you like a biscuit? Or why not take a currant bun or two? In my opinion, you need a bit of feeding up.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy.” Raymond grudgingly tore himself away from his report, trying to hide his annoyance at the voluble interruption. He was conscious of his pernickety reputation amongst his colleagues and aware that the door was wide open to accommodate the tea trolley, so he attempted a smile as he put down his fountain pen.
He took the cup and saucer from the motherly tea lady and tried not to wince at her disapproving tut when he chose only one plain biscuit from the proffered tin. Mrs. Murphy put he
