Lost in a Good Book (Thursday Next 2)

But it was too late. I'd woken up I was still in bed, undressed, bedclothes rumpled. The clock told me it was a few minutes past nine. I stared at the ceiling in a forlorn mood, wondering how I could have got myself into such a mess, and then wondering whether there was anything I could have done to prevent it. I decided, on the face of it, probably not. This, to my fuddled way of thinking, I took to be a positive sign. So I slipped on a T-shirt and shuffled into the kitchen, filled the kettle and put some dried apricots in Pickwick's bowl after trying and failing to get her to stand on one leg.

I shook the entroposcope just in case, was thankful to find everything as normal, and was just checking the fridge for some fresh milk when the doorbell rang. I trotted out to the hall, picked up my automatic from the table and asked:

'Who is it?'

'Open the door, Doofus.'

I put the gun away and opened the door. Joffy smiled at me as he entered and raised his eyebrows at my dishevelled state.

'Half-day today?'

'I don't feel like working now that Landen's gone.'

'Who?'

'Never mind. Coffee?'

We walked into the kitchen. Joffy patted Pickwick on the head and I emptied the old grounds out of the coffee jug. He sat down at the table.

'Seen Dad recently?'

'Last week. He was fine. How much did you make on the art sale?'

'Over two thousand pounds in commission. I thought of using the cash to repair the church roof but then figured what the hell – I'll just blow it on drink, curry and prostitutes.'

I laughed.

'Sure you will, Joff'

I rinsed some mugs and stared out of the window.

'What can I do for you, Joff?'

'I came round to pick Miles's things up.'

I stopped what I was doing and turned to face him.

'Say that again.'

'I said I came—'

'I know what you said, but … but – how do you know Miles?'

Joffy laughed, saw I was serious, frowned at me and then remarked:

'He said you didn't recognise him that night at Vole Towers. Is everything okay?'

I shrugged.

'Not really, Joff – but tell me: how do you know him?'

'We're going out, Thurs – surely you can't have forgotten?'

'You and Miles?'

'Sure! Why not?'

This was very good news indeed.