"You were married in Paris, in a small church near Monmatre on March 12th.
You were living there having met three months earlier when Helen," Tariq glanced at Ruth, "Started working as a translator for Daniel's company," it was now to Harry that he looked.
"A whirlwind romance with the boss," smiled Beth.
It really didn't help.
Harry and Ruth's attention was focused solely and convincingly on Tariq, appearing totally absorbed in the details of their new legends. But although the information was going in, their thoughts were elsewhere.
They had struggled to be civil to each other for the last fortnight; they had struggled to move on; they had struggled, she to forget his proposal, he to forget her rejection.
And now this.
"No children, you decided your schedules and lifestyle were unsuited. Daniel's market research business has done well, with offices in Paris, Rome and London, you have been frequent visitors to all but have lived in London for the last ten years.
It's been a happy, successful marriage, apart from one shortlived affair three years after you were married, between Helen and a fellow translator in Paris called Georges."
Ruth remained motionless.
Harry remained frozen.
"Helen ended the affair," continued an oblivious Tariq, "and told Daniel the truth. Since then all has been rosy in the Harrison household."
He grinned his lopsided grin.
"All your papers and contact details are here. House and car keys, plus mobiles, tracker and a few other toys that might come in handy."
He pushed a tray across to them,
"It would be a good idea if you worked through the details before you get to the house tomorrow."
"Thank you, Tariq," Harry snapped, "I think we know the drill."
Beth caught Tariq's eye as they filed out of the forgery suite.
Harry and Ruth sat. Silently. In the now empty room.
"I'm sorry that there's no choice in this…" he said finally, "I know it could have been better timed."
Her eyebrows raised but she still said nothing.
"Timing is everything, I know," he said, voice clipped.
He rose from his chair.
"Whether we like it or not, Ruth, we have to do this and we have to do it well. The consequences are too serious for us to fail."
With an almost imperceptible nod of her head, she stood.
"Come round at eight tonight."
Harry hesitated.
"Are we not better doing it here?"
"From tomorrow we're supposed to be living together, Harry."
He nodded.
"I'll be there at eight."