The smoulder in his eyes dimmed, and he winced, half bending in agony.

The truth was I'd love to be in the school team but I wouldn't get picked anyway: most of the kids think I'm a real muppet, a gormo who's into bird-watching and if I tried to join in, they would just rib me, so I don't bother to show any interest.

The policeman smiled, his eyes twinkling. Now if you'll follow me, I'll escort you to the Victoria. Oh, there's no need of that. If you'll just point me in the right direction... That's what got you in trouble the first time around. You don't need a second.

A sarangi player set the tone and Kalavati began to sing in her sweet, melodious voce; mridangam and sitar accompanied her.