Liz was laughing, turning from one to the other. The scene seemed innocent enough. So why did I feel a prickle of anxiety?

Harry had been waiting for an opportunity to join the conversation. “Talking of drink, there’s time for a quickie before our tour. What do you say to a little Bollinger? My treat, of course.” He got to his feet. “Let me see if I can find the barman.” Mike nodded at Harry’s retreating back. “That feller’s face looks familiar.”

“You’ll have seen it on television,” Liz said. “He’s written a bestseller, The Modern Terrorist: Nature or Nurture? You must have heard of it.”

From Mike’s expression, I guessed he hadn’t. But then, I hadn’t heard of Harry before Liz had introduced us.

“Nature or Nurture?” He pulled a face. “Sounds far too theoretical. I once went to a talk called something like that.

“It was given by this university boffin. Had a face as long as a week. The talk was totally incomprehensible. I’m not even sure the boffin had his teeth in at the time.”

Liz laughed. “Ah, but Harry’s books are different. I took a module on terrorism when I was at college, and the books on the reading list were all by him.

“Jolly good they were, too. And his talks can be hysterically funny.”

Expert

“You must have heard him on the radio,” I said. “Professor Henry Auchinleck? The expert who advises governments on terrorism?”

Liz was watching Mike. “Not just governments. NATO, the EU, the UN – you name the initials. He’s a brilliant academic. Got more medals than Montgomery.”

“Can’t say I recognise the name. But an academic, you said?” He rubbed his chin.

“Hardly the fast lane. It’s down there with lawyers and financiers.”

“Careful,” said Liz, before I could reply. “Maggie’s an accountant.”

He leant back, studying me. “I took an accountancy course once. Not exactly rocket science, is it? Just figures on a spreadsheet.”

I couldn’t let this go. “Yes, sweetie,” I said, forcing a smile, “but I can do it backwards and in high heels.”

“Well, that’s lovely now, Maggie.” His lips twitched. “So where do you do your sums?” “Sums?”

“We both work for the same company,” said Liz quickly. “Bayne Pharmaceuticals.”

He straightened his tie. “The Scottish drug company? We did some consultancy for them a couple of months ago, I believe.”

“You believe correctly,” I said, my smile coming easily now. “Our servers haven’t been the same since.” “A sense of humour. I like that in a woman.” “Mags is Deputy Finance Director. She practically runs Bayne’s.”

“No, I don’t,” I said, annoyed that Liz was embarrassing me in front of a stranger. I frowned at her, trying to signal that I wanted to bring the topic to a close.

“Don’t believe everything Liz tells you, Mike. I’m just a pawn in a giant game of chess.”

“Have you found the job difficult? The Finance people at Mane Drew are permanently on the verge of nervous breakdowns.”

I hesitated. “The first six months were hell.” “I’m betting the men in your department didn’t make it easy.”

I was surprised by this comment, coming from a man. “I’ve learnt to expect that, especially as my boss told me I beat off some stiff internal competition.”

“That won’t have made you popular.”

Approval

“It didn’t.” I kept my voice level. “But I’m no longer prepared to stroke young male egos.”

He grinned. “I have to do that all the time.” Harry returned with a bottle of champagne. He removed the cap and popped the cork with expertise born of practice.

I sipped, watching Mike over the rim of the glass. He was joking with Harry, encouraging him to drink up, glancing at me now and then as though seeking my approval.

Liz was laughing, turning from one to the other. The scene seemed innocent enough. So why did I feel a prickle of anxiety?

The Activities Room was at the end of the long corridor leading from the foyer. It was 3pm and a group was gathering.

Mike, still in his pinstripe, arrived with Harry. They were deep in conversation.

“So what about it, Mags?” Liz said, watching them. “You up for a holiday romance?”

“I think not.,” I replied quickly. “I haven’t had any luck with men recently.” Liz looked at me indulgently and smiled.

“Yes, well, you do total most of your relationships. But I rather think this one would help take your mind off the last. He was a disaster and a half.”

I glared at her. Yet she was right. It hadn’t taken me long to realise that my last boyfriend didn’t want a girlfriend. He wanted a nanny.

“I’m over him, Liz. And from now on, I’m not lowering my guard.”

“Really? No more romantic attachments?” “That was the old Maggie. The new Maggie is done with meaningful relationships.” I smiled wearily. “Nothing but casual affairs from now on.” “Then I’d say Mike Molloy would be just the ticket.” “He’s not my type. He’s got a huge opinion of himself and he’s not afraid to show it in public.”

But it was simpler than that: my instincts told me to steer clear of him. Unfortunately, that was becoming increasingly unlikely. He and Harry seemed to be hitting it off.

“That’s right, dear boy,” Harry was saying. “Cooking is one of my hobbies. When I’m not slaving in a hot lecture theatre, I’m slaving over a hot stove.

Curiosity

“Look, next time you’re in Edinburgh, you must come to one of my Sunday buffets.” He smiled indulgently.

“From what you’ve told me, I’d hazard a guess that you’re a bit of a domestic goddess, yourself.” “That, I am. I love cooking Thai.”

“With me, it’s French. I like my food saucy.” Mike winked. “A bit like yourself, Harry.”

“Oh, do you think so?” Harry simpered, blushing to the roots.

I listened with curiosity. For all Mike’s macho image, he was comfortable enough with his masculinity to banter like this with a gay man.

And Harry loved innuendo, whether from a man or a woman. He was so obviously happy that I couldn’t help but be grateful Mike was showing such an interest in him.

More tomorrow.

Icehotel, available on Amazon Kindle, is Hania Allen’s debut novel. Her second book, The Polish Detective (Constable, £8.99), is the first in her new series featuring DS Dania Gorska and is set in Dundee.