My phone dinged and alert for an incoming text. It was from Lillian. It said, 

Tony, a room has been reserved for you at The Dylan Hotel along with breakfast and dinner reservations on the night of your arrival. You will be meeting Lindsay, your companion for the stay. She will be sitting at a nest of chairs and sofas in a glazed nook in reception and will meet you there. This is a five-star hotel, a jacket and tie is required for dinner. Check in is from 3:00, Lindsay will be there from 4:00. Enjoy each other. 

X Lillian.

I returned my phone to my pocket and walked into the canteen at work. It was empty, so I checked the smoke shed outside. That was empty too. I checked my watch. It was working.

“What’s wrong, Tony?” Raffles asked as he walked up from his car.

“I’m looking for Smithser,” I said, “have you seen him knocking about?”

“He must be in his office,” he said. “The ‘do not disturb’ sign is up.”

“He must have a woman in there,” I said with a grin, and he laughed. 

I took the stairs to Peter’s office. Sure enough, there was a sign on his door, so I pushed it open. Peter was working at his desk with his head down, so I snapped a picture of him with my phone and he turned around at the sound of the click.

• Book 4 of 13
• Print length: 48 pages
• Language: English
• Publication date 14th November 2025