Welcome to Case Closed.

You're listening to Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney, narrated by Stephanie Racine.

Let's pick up where we left off last time.

Then, Tuesday, 20th December 2016. Then.

Tuesday, 20th December, 2016.

Morning.

Managed to get you a table at the Langham, pulled some strings, I say.

Marvelous, what for? says Matthew, without looking up from his computer screen.

"'We're on air in just under ten minutes, and almost everyone, including Madeline, has already gone through to the studio.

"'Brunch?' I say.

"'With who?' He looks up at me, giving me his half-full attention.

"'Then I see his expression change as he notices my new dress, my makeup, my hair, bullied into shape by brushes and hot air. He sits up a

little straighter, and his left eyebrow exerts itself into an appreciative arch. I find myself wondering whether he is actually gay,

or whether I are just presumed that he was. Today's panel, the women in their 50s guests,

we talked about it last week, I say. Did we? Yes, you said you'd take them out after the show,

talk through some future ideas. What future ideas? You said you'd take them out after the show, talk through some future ideas.

What future ideas? You said we needed to be more innovative, shake things up a bit.

That does sound like me. It doesn't. When he hesitates, I bombard him with more well-rehearsed words.

They're expecting to meet you straight after the show,

but I can cancel it if you want me to, make up some excuse. No, no, I think I do remember now.

Is Madeline joining us? No, it's just you and the guests, he frowns, so they can talk freely about

what they think works and what doesn't. I didn't rehearse that part, but the words form themselves

...