Of late, the fearsome foursome had found it difficult to raise their numbers over 3. Enigma had been 'busy' for months on end, and failed to return Chalky's phonecalls, therefore missing out on numerous celebrity encounters.

Chalky had missed Bonnie because of a school trip, and now it was the turn of Dufus to miss an appearance by Caroline John, due to it being his mum's birthday.

Enigma, however, had returned to the fold, and was overjoyed on reunion with Chalky and Shirt, whom she met at Victoria Station.

And off they went, with (Enigma's) newly purple hair causing her to bare a passing resemblance to Nicola Bryant (and so fulfilling a few of Shirt's fantasies - if only for a blue leotard…)

The happy discovery of an early release for The Spectre of Lanyon Moor from Large Endings (secret nods to Little Ted going wasted, due to the fact that they were brazenly on display), and the latest novels (bought for both Chalky and Dufus (who had given him £20 in lew of his absence)), and the discovery that Harlequin are beginning to scrape the bottom of the barrel for miniatures (King John, Cowboy, Pirate (with a peg leg - never saw that in The Smugglers), Aridian and Monoid 2!) all led into the trio joining the ever-growing queue.

Midday eventually arrived, and Enigma was a little upset due to there being no sign of the foursome's new friend, Chris Cwej. However, her eyes lit up as he hove into view across the shopping centre, with Friend in tow.

Introductions done, and praise heaped upon Chris's Stripping Down, the terrific twosome joined the end of the queue.

Miss John was in high spirits.

Chalky explained that he had brought along Enigma, as at Weston-Super-Mare, Miss John had refused to believe that the absent Enigma existed when Chalky asked her to sign her Companions book.

Miss John was overjoyed to meet Enigma, and obviously came to the mistaken conclusion that Chalky and Enigma were an 'item'.

Chalky didn't correct her.

The merits of Weston-Super-Mare were discussed with Miss John expounding her views on allowing for time to chat at these sort of events, rather than moving everyone through without so much as a by-your-leave. The trio agreed whole-heartedly.

Chalky presented Miss John with Eternity Weeps.

"This is the book where they kill you off," he explained.

"Really," said Miss John, intrigued, "Haha - it's called Eternity Weeps! What an appropriate title!"

Miss John proceeded to sign it, under the words "I'm Dead!"

In getting a photo signed for Twang, Enigma, raised Miss John's curiosity as to the origins of this nickname, but decided not to pursue the matter.

A photo was taken, and in leaving, Miss John exchanged kisses with Enigma, and Chalky became flustered when shaking her hand. Planting a smacker on her cheek, he retired slightly embarrassed because Miss John hadn't actually done the same.

Shirt got his items, waited for the flash on his camera and said his goodbyes.

Outside the shop, Enigma was being chatted to (or should that be chatted up) by Humpty.

"It's funny," he said. "I've hardly said two words to these guys before, and now it's chat chat chat!"

"Mmmmm" muttered the trio.

As the trio left, and said their fond farewells to Chris and Friend, Enigma couldn't help but notice the pairs of eyes that seemed to be following her.