‘Ah, sorry,’ I say, forgetting I hadn’t performed introductions, ‘this is Tom.’

‘Pleasure to meet you, pal,’ Tom says, ‘I’m a fan of your work.’

‘Husband?’ Ed asks with a smile whilst shaking Tom’s hand.

‘Boyfriend,’ Tom answers, looking from me to Ed, though it sounds more like a question than a statement. The silence hangs in the air for a few seconds too long, taking us into awkward territory.

‘Nice to meet you, mate,’ Ed says, glancing at his watch. ‘Well, I think the film is starting soon, so I best be heading in. I hope you enjoy it,’ he says, before bidding us goodbye and walking away towards the cinema doors.

I fold the red, velvety seat down and sink into it, placing my drink into the holder attached to the arm-rest and shoving a handful of popcorn into my mouth. The room is nearly at capacity and is buzzing with excited chatter. A curly haired man and a woman wearing heavy make-up near us are discussing the trailer and who they think the killer is.

For the first time, I’m hit by the fact that the upcoming film is going to feature a killer who murders people in the same way Jay was killed and I feel slightly uneasy. Silence descends in the room as the lights dim and a man I recognise from a rom-com walks onto a small stage at the front of the room, positioned just in front of the screen. His pinstriped suit is expertly tailored to his athletic frame and his long hair hangs loosely on his shoulders. He picks up a microphone from a table at the side of the stage and waves to the room, which erupts with applause.

The man, who Tom tells me is the actor who plays the newly-promoted detective in the film, smiles at the warm welcome and once it has subsided, raises the microphone to his lips.

‘Can you hear me?’ he asks the room, and receives a chorus of affirmations in reply. ‘You’ll have to forgive the loose nature of my introduction. Our wonderful director, Reuben Amaro…’ the room bursts into a round of applause which the actor encourages by raising his hand to his ear.

He waits for the clapping to subside before continuing.

‘Reuben was supposed to be doing this bit but, alas, he has not yet arrived. Although, knowing him, he is plotting some form of elaborate entrance.’

He looks to the rafters and, without the microphone, shouts, ‘If you’re up there Reuben, now’s the time to come down.’ Once more, the room fills with laughter. The assembled crowd are in good spirits and the feeling is contagious. Even though it seems like an in-joke, I can’t help but smile.

Once the mirth in the room has again abated, the actor on the stage takes on a more serious tone.

‘On a night of celebration – and it is a night of celebration because it truly is a wonderful film – we must not forget the heartbreak we have suffered. I’m talking, of course, about the tragic death of Mr Jason Krist. Without him, none of us would be here tonight. This film, along with Blood Ice, were his babies and we all owe him a massive thank you for letting us be a part of his passion. I’d ask you please to observe a minute of silence in his honour.’