‘It certainly has,’ Kim said with a cheesy grin. ‘I bumped into your dad the other month in Chester, and I was telling him it had been a while. Didn’t he mention he’d seen me?’

‘No, well, you know …’

‘Yes, he did say you don’t speak much. You must be so busy.’

‘Like you wouldn’t believe. The charity has taken over my life,’ Claudia said. ‘Isn’t this madness? I wish they’d all go away.’

Leanne cleared her throat.

Smiling, Claudia said, ‘You’re the exception, obviously, but the last few days have been crazy. I really wish everyone could put aside this business with Amelia. There are more important things this week.’

‘I’m afraid there are also more important things today,’ Kim said. ‘You’ve caught me sagging. I’m meant to be in the training room next door, and I must go.’

‘Let’s not leave it so long next time,’ Claudia said, and the two friends made plans to meet up without managing to firm up any details whatsoever.

‘She seems nice,’ Leanne said when Kim had left.

‘Yeah, the best.’ Claudia’s tone matched Leanne’s for politeness. ‘Did you talk much?’

‘Not really. She might have mentioned a misspent youth, but unfortunately she didn’t share the details.’

Claudia attempted a laugh. ‘If anyone had a misspent youth, it was Kim. Don’t think for a second that this morning was her first experience of playing truant.’ She took a deep breath and let the tension leave her with the exhale. ‘I’m glad this is over, and I’m so, so sorry, but I need to head off. I promised Harriet I’d meet her back at the office for a de-brief.’

‘I was surprised not to see Justin here today,’ remarked Leanne, ignoring Claudia’s prompt to leave.

‘Unfortunately, he does have to show his face at work once in a while. It was a choice between coming along today, or being free on Wednesday, and this one I could handle on my own. The anniversary is going to be a challenge, especially if the storm doesn’t pass in time. I know I said we’d press on either way, but it would be so much easier if it wasn’t blowing a gale. But whatever happens, I promise to give the Courier one of the first post-event interviews. It’s the least I can do after all you’ve done for me, and the charity of course,’ she added.

Leanne had surreptitiously positioned herself in front of Claudia in case she had any ideas of scooting off. ‘Do you mind if I ask you a quick question? It’s something Bryony mentioned.’

‘Oh, OK.’ Claudia looked nervously around the room, where hotel staff were stacking chairs. Bryony was long gone. ‘What did she say?’