The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next 1)

The little man grinned very softly through his eyes; I didn’t suppose he showed much emotion.

“If interested, I’ll be in touch.”

“Be in touch,” I told him.

He grunted, replaced his hat, bid us both a happy day, inquired about the whereabouts of the compost heap and was gone.

“I’ve never seen a Neanderthal in a suit before,” observed Landen.

“Never mind about Mr. Stiggins,” I said, reaching up to kiss him.

“I thought you’d finished with SpecOps?”

“No,” I replied with a smile. “In fact, I think I’m only just beginning! . . .”