1940

"Mr. Foyle? A telegram came for you while you were out."

It was rather amazing how a simple phrase, one he had heard so many times over the years, had the power to fill him with almost over-powering dread. "Th-thank you Rivers"

He took the telegram, resolving not to look at it until he was safely in his office and then continued down the corridor, listening to, but not retaining, what Milner was saying.

Finally they reached his office and he turned to find his sergeant watching him with guarded concern; clearly he hadn't been nearly as convincing just now as he might have hoped.

He took his time hanging up his hat and coat and then cleared his throat, "Right well why don't you follow that up? Let me know how you get on."

"Yes Sir." Milner hesitated and for a moment Foyle thought he was going to speak again but instead Milner offered him a brief smile and left the office, careful to shut the door behind him.

Foyle crossed slowly to the desk and sat down, taking a moment to straighten the already straight piles of reports on his desk before placing the telegram down in front of him. 'This is ridiculous! It is most likely a reply to the request I sent to London this morning, completely unrelated to…'

He shook his head before he could finish the thought and taking a deep breath picked up the telegram before he could change his mind. His fingers shook as he opened it and he had to let his breath out slowly before he could focus on dark text.

A moment later the telegram was back on the desk and he was pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to regulate his heart rate. He hadn't moved when a knock sounded on his door almost a quarter of an hour later.

Foyle sat up and ran a hand over his face, trying to drag his mind back to the present. The knock sounded again and he hastily picked up a report as he called for them to enter. To his immense relief the door opened to reveal not Milner or Sam but instead Hugh Reid carrying a tea tray.

Reid gave him a sharp look and then closed the door and crossed to the desk. He set the tray down handing Foyle a mug of tea before taking his own and sitting down across from him.

Foyle took a sip and immediately noticed that Reid had added sugar. He raised an eyebrow, "Something you wanted Hugh?"

Reid shook his head, "Rivers said you'd had a telegram."

Icy fear flooded through him again and he had to take a long drink of tea before he could answer, "Yes, from London, about a case." He felt more than saw Reid relax and glanced up, giving his friend a weak smile, "He's all right Hugh or at least I hope he is."

Reid nodded, "I'm sure he's fine Christopher." They drank their tea in silence and then Hugh got to his feet, "Well as nice as your office is I'd better get back to the duty roster; bloody nightmare trying to make sure everyone gets a few days off with us so undermanned."

Foyle nodded, "I can imagine. Thanks for the tea."

"Anytime Christopher." Alone again Foyle glanced at the telegram and then placed it and the report aside and pulled out several sheets of letter paper and picking up his pen.

Dear Andrew…