Accent on deception

Rufus's acting skills were about to come into their own again. He spent time researching online. He practised. And practised. And perfected as good an Irish accent as a London boy could muster. Enough to fool a Horninglower, he hoped.

Rufus took the National Express coach from Liverpool to Birmingham - inexpensive at only £4. He then took another bus to Burton upon Trent, which, at £7, cost more and took ages. He was being economical. The local bus to Horninglow completed his journey.

Given his subsequent plans, he used Tony's card one last time, booking an hotel for four nights.