The Last Honest Alibi

How it begins

Nora had packed for witness protection, not a roommate.

The man standing beside her suitcase was the prosecutor who had destroyed her career.

"No," she said.

Adam Reed checked the number on the door.

"That's what I said."

Between them stood one kettle, two mugs and a laminated notice explaining how to survive a gas leak. Someone had drawn a smile beside the emergency number.

Nora set her bag down without taking her eyes off him.

"Who assigned you?"

"The same person who gave you that key."

"That person has made a mistake."

Adam held up a second key. It had the same blue tag.

Outside, rain pressed against the windows of the deserted courthouse. The secure flat occupied its old caretaker's rooms. Nora had inspected three exits on the way in. Adam was standing in front of the fourth.

He noticed her looking.

"The fire escape is alarmed."

"Everything useful usually is."

For a moment he almost smiled. She disliked him more for remembering how.

Six months ago, he had called her evidence unreliable in a room full of people whose respect she needed. Yesterday, someone had tried to push her beneath a train. Today, he appeared to be carrying groceries.

He placed the bag on the counter.

"Tea?"

"I'd prefer an explanation."

"I can manage tea."

Nora took the envelope from her coat. The officer who drove her here had told her to open it alone.

Adam's expression changed.

"You have one too."

She looked at the envelope beside his mug.

Neither of them touched anything for several seconds.

Then Nora broke the seal.

Inside was a photograph of a station clock and a single sentence.

At eleven seventeen, tell them you were with Adam Reed.

She read it again.

Adam unfolded his own sheet.

"Mine says I was with you."

At eleven seventeen yesterday, Nora had been alone on the platform.

Adam had been in court.

Someone needed one of them to lie.

The kettle clicked off behind him.

For the first time since arriving, he moved away from the door.