‘I hope you don’t mind instant,’ Claudia said, reaching inside a cupboard for a jar of Nescafé and ignoring the French press lurking in the corner.

‘It’s what I’m used to.’

Claudia glanced over her shoulder at Leanne. ‘Me too, if I’m honest,’ she said. ‘Do you take milk? Sugar?’

‘Milk, two sugars.’

Claudia didn’t look the type who was used to associating with someone who consumed unrefined sugar without apology, but if she judged Leanne for her health choices and chubby thighs, she didn’t show it.

‘I love your hair, by the way,’ Claudia said, while they waited for the kettle to boil. ‘I’m too much of a wimp to go for such a striking colour.’

‘Thanks.’

It could have been a backhanded compliment, but Leanne felt an involuntary thrill. She had never been one of the popular girls at school, not fitting the mould reserved for the fortunate few who looked a lot like Claudia. Leanne would have given anything for their approval back then, and had to remind herself that she needed no such endorsement now, especially not from the Rothwells or the Montgomerys of this world.

‘I know I look a mess,’ Claudia said, pulling at the shapeless jumper that magically accentuated her long limbs and sharp cheekbones. ‘I went through loads of different outfits this morning, but decided to wear what felt most comfortable – that’s why I was late answering the door. Your editor said you didn’t need photos today.’

Leanne nudged her rucksack with her foot. ‘I did bring my camera, just in case,’ she said, if only to see Claudia’s features pale. It was a mean thing to do, especially when Claudia was going out of her way to be nice, but Leanne found she couldn’t help herself. ‘Never mind, the office will be in touch to arrange a photoshoot.’

Claudia finished making their drinks and wiped the counter clean before joining Leanne at the table.

‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am,’ she admitted. ‘The anniversary is going to be tough and, although it’s a night we would all rather forget, it feels right doing something to mark the occasion.’ She bit her lip. ‘It’s going to be hardest for the families who lost loved ones.’

‘You were there too, I believe,’ Leanne said dispassionately as she checked her notebook. She often used a voice recorder, but only when she was invested in what her interviewee might have to say. For today, her notes would be brief, unless she managed to unpick Claudia’s connection to Phillipa, but all in good time. ‘I presume you were affected by what you saw?’

Claudia fidgeted with the cuffs of her jumper. ‘This isn’t about me. I’d rather talk about the work of the charity.’

‘Which you set up.’