Gail’s breath got hooked in her throat, ice flooding all her veins. She noticed how Evelyn’s eyes moved from her face to the documents that she had finally managed to arrange back on the desk.

She started explaining, stumbling over her words, “Oh, I fell and accidentally knocked them off, so I was trying…”

Evelyn didn't let her finish. She interrupted smoothly, “I came to ask if Mr Locke would like some tea, or maybe something light to eat. But I see he's not here, I will come ...