I walked downstairs, the house warm, as promised, and within a short time, I stood by the study door. Checking again that I looked presentable, I knocked and entered to find Professor Nevis behind his desk, reading a research paper. He looked up, his gaze instantly sharpening as it swept over me. The detached academic vanished, replaced by an intensity that pinned me to the spot. His eyes lingered on the stark white cotto...

I was sitting in the Eagle, enjoying a well-earned pint, having just submitted my recent assignment as part of my PhD, when my professor, Professor William Nevis, walked in and saw me sitting in the snug to his left. He smiled warmly and gestured towards the seat opposite me as if asking permission to sit down. I nodded enthusiastically as he walked over and sat down. He was wearing a tweed jacket with leather patches on...