SHE GASPED AND IGNATIUS FROZE, horror snaking down his spine at the realization. Doing the only thing he could think of, he feigned ignorance.

'Ca-catherine?' he stuttered, not hiding the shock.

'Oh my god, I'm so sorry!' The hands jerked back and she whispered the words in a tone of dismay. After a long pause, she gave a nervous giggle. 'Did I wake you?'

The situation did strike him as funny and he worked at keeping his voice neutral, sleepy. 'Uuhh, yes. Is ...