Extraits

When a Child is Born

I was in trouble again. No surprise there. It's my default state.

Dr Bairstow raised his eyes from my report and regarded me steadily. Behind him, his PA, Mrs Partridge, sat scratchpad in hand, making the Sphinx look like a collection of facial tics.

Yes, I was in trouble again.

He cleared his throat. Here we go.

'Dr Maxwell, the assignment was — I believe I have I have the details here... ah, yes — jump to London, Westminster Abbey, 25th December 1066. Witness the coronation of King William I. Ascertain the cause of the disturbance that interrupted the ceremony and discover the extent of the subsequent fire and riots. I'm almost certain I impressed upon you the importance of our client and the need for a successful conclusion.'

'Yes, sir. You were very clear.'

'I also know that while brevity is admirable, I do require something a little more detailed than just "It was very cold".'

He shut down the data stack and regarded me again. 'You don't see the need to perhaps — flesh things out a little?'

I racked my brains for something that wouldn't make things worse. 'It was snowing, sir.'

The silence in the room grew very loud.

'So, to recap. I despatch my two most senior historians — you, Dr Maxwell and Dr Peterson. I assign the head of security, Major Guthrie, to support you, together with — and the reason for this escapes me now — Mr Markham. And your combined talents and expertise can produce nothing more remarkable than "It was very cold".'

'And snowing,' he added, seeing me open my mouth.

I shut it again.

'Where is the rest of your team, Dr Maxwell?'

'In their quarters, sir.'

'They did not feel the need to join us this morning?'

Of course they bloody didn't. They were in the bloody bar. We'd drawn lots. I'd lost.

He pointed.

'Sit down.'

Half of me was glad to sit down. The other half was clamouring to join the others in the bar.

He settled back in his chair.

'Report.'

I opened my mouth.

'In full, this time.'

I discarded what I had been going to say and gave him the truth.