‘What’s the time, Ben?’
‘It’s 1 a.m.’
‘Precisely that time?’
‘Well, for the pedant it’s 12.59 a.m.’
‘Then we have one minute to cross the breadth of this country for me to keep my word.’
‘Best ignite her then, Herb.’
Under two minutes later, they lowered back down into the courtyard without fanfare or incident, Herbert quickly leaping from the craft and pushing his way through into the kitchen.
Derek looked over from his chair. ‘That was quick, Herb!’ he said, forgetting that he was expecting them. ‘I’ll assume by your stride that it was a success.’
‘Undilutedly so! Ben is just putting her to bed and re-familiarising himself with the barn.’
‘And how is young Benjamin?’
Herbert didn’t answer but rather watched the man in question lock the barn door and wander over.
‘Good evening,
