TUESDAY MORNING WAS fresh and bright. The tantalising intimation of spring made Rafferty reluctant to head straight for their grim temporary office. Instead, he lingered in the hospital grounds for a few precious moments of peace. But at a sound behind him, he realised that brief respite was to be denied him.
'Psst.'
Rafferty stopped and turned, but there was no-one in sight. He shook his head and told himself he’d be seeing pink elephants next.
'Psst.'
There it was again. It seemed to be coming from the trees bordering the perimeter wall and he tried to peer through this newly-leafed bower. 'Who's there?' he called.
'Shh. Be quiet, can't you?' he was asked in a furious whisper. The voice sounded whinily familiar. 'Come over here, for God's sake, before somebody sees you.'
Rafferty p
