Part 38 (1/2)

There was a s.p.a.ce on the headstone for Victoria's father.

The music from the string quartet in the garden swelled into a pa.s.sionate rhapsody.

'Leo Janaek,' declared the white-haired Doctor.

'Extraordinary chap. Didn't even get into his stride as a composer until he was in his eighties. I said to him, Leo, old chap...'

'I'm sorry,' interrupted Victoria. 'It's no use running away, is it?'

'I think you had a lot to run away from,' sympathized the Doctor.

'Yes. I gather I'm on Interpol's Most Wanted list.'

He raised a surprised eyebrow and took her hand gently in his. 'You can always come away with me, you know.'

She smiled and shook her head. 'Thank you, Doctor, but I have things to face up to here. I must make amends. That's why I've finally written to Brigadier Crichton at UNIT.'

'Crichton?' The Doctor looked at his watch. 'Good Lord, has Lethbridge-Stewart retired or something?'

She couldn't tell if he was teasing or not. 'Your offer's very kind, Doctor. Perhaps one day, when all this is sorted out.

Besides which, I can travel on my own now. Anywhere I like.'

He studied her again for a long time. 'I'm sure UNIT will be entirely sympathetic over... erm..' He coughed non-commitally.

She nodded sadly. 'I hope so.'

'And you're sure you won't come with me?'