‘How true,’ he murmured. ‘So how did you find the cash to come here?’

‘My grandparents paid. They brought me up since my parents died. They’re lovely, adventurous people. Right now they’re on holiday in Africa, looking for elephants. They said I could go with them but I chose to come here instead.’

‘To find Lee?’

‘Yes.’

‘Where are you staying?’

‘The Howley. Why do you shudder? Do you know it?’

‘Not the hotel but that part of town. Depressing. I’d get out if I was you, find something better.’

He could have bitten his tongue out for his own tactlessness. Obviously she was making the money last, not knowing how long she would be here.

He took hold of her hand. ‘Charlene, listen to me. Don’t do anything crazy. It’s not-’

‘Well, this is nice!’

They both looked at the man who’d appeared just behind Travis. He was middle-aged, bulky, and his smile was a little too broad to be convincing.

‘Hello, Denzil,’ Travis said. ‘Charlene, this is Denzil Raines, my boss.’

‘None of that “boss” stuff,’ Denzil said jovially. ‘We’re all friends here. So you’re Charlene. I’ve been hearing about you. Nice to meet you. Hope you’re having a good time. Travis, make sure you treat this lady well. All right, all right, I’ll leave you two alone now.’

He took himself off, only turning at the last moment to give Travis a thumbs up sign and a beaming grin. Travis gave an inward groan.

‘He seems nice,’ Charlene observed. ‘Is something the matter?’

‘Everything’s the matter. I’m sorry about that. Denzil is thinking how he can make use of you.’

‘Of me? How?’

‘The fact is-I’ve been a bit of an idiot, and if there’s a disaster it’ll be my own fault.’ Caution made him stop there, but then he saw her face, kindly and understanding, as so few faces were in his world, and something drove him on to say, ‘I went to a nightclub with some friends, and there was this girl-’