She put down her book. She’d not been able to focus on it at all this evening; she’d read the same page at least three times such was her worry for her sister. Dido opened the door. Two officers stood on the other side. They removed their hats.
‘Good evening,’ Dido said politely, offering them her winning smile.
‘Good evening,’ one said.
She recognised him from the club. ‘Oh, it’s you,’ she said. ‘How charming to see you here. What can I help you with?’
He smiled, a thin smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, which did not exactly put Dido at ease. ‘Is your sister here?’
‘My sister? No.’
‘But it is past curfew,’ he said.
‘She’s with our friend, Captain Keller.’ Dido made sure to enunciate the name clearly, inferring the importance of his rank.
‘I see,’ he said, standing at the threshold. ‘May we come in?’
Dido knew full well that if she said no, they would enter regardless. ‘Of course. Such a pleasant surprise. What did you want my sister for? A girl could get a bit jealous you know; after all it’s you and I who know each other. I don’t think you’ve met Persey, have you?’ She was rambling.
‘I have not. But I have heard … things and so that is why we are here.’
‘Heard what?’ Dido said in too high a voice.
‘You do not mind if we search the house?’ he continued. His colleague remained mute, clearly not in charge.
‘What are you looking for?’ she asked with confidence.
‘A woman.’
‘My sister? She’s not here.’
‘A different woman.’
‘A different woman?’ Dido repeated dumbly. ‘What kind of different woman? Blonde? Redhead?’ she teased. ‘I’m afraid there’s only me. Will I do?’
The second man smiled, enjoying Dido’s playful nature. If only she could get the first one onside. He turned and spoke to his colleague. Dido couldn’t understand what it was about, but she suspected.
‘You are not hiding a woman? Your sister is not hiding a woman?’
‘No,’ Dido said, her smile fading. ‘I am not hiding a woman. Neither is Persey. What kind of woman?’
‘A Jewish one.’
Dido crossed her arms. ‘With Captain Keller living under our roof. Wouldn’t that be a rather silly thing to do?’
He smiled. ‘Yes, it would.’ He stood his ground, watching Dido for any hint of a lie.
When the silence grew uncomfortable Dido said, ‘We don’t know anything about a woman. Jewish or otherwise. I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.’
She led them into the kitchen, wishing to look hospitable. ‘Tea? Only bramble leaf I’m afraid, these days.’
‘Thank you,’ he said as he looked into the sitting room as they went past. He paused, stepped in, glanced around before resuming his tread in the hallway. There was clearly no space in which a woman could hide in the sitting room.
‘Beautiful piano,’ he said in passing. ‘Do you play?’
‘I do, yes. But Tommy Riley plays for me in the cabaret act. I just sing.’
‘We received a letter,’ the officer said suddenly.
