How dare you take the dog. I’ve been worried sick and you’re in no moral position to judge my care of him anyway. You relinquished all rights when you abandoned him in the summer. I looked at you like that because you had a set of my keys in your portfolio. I’m considering shopping you to DI Fox. He doesn’t like you anyway.

And just for the record, that girl Fay’s a loon. So you should suit each other perfectly.

Maggie

Then I picked up my stuff and carried it past the desks to say goodbye to the girls. ‘Good luck, everyone,’ I said as cheerfully as I could manage, resting the box on a chair. ‘Thanks for being so brilliant.’

‘Are you really going?’ Donna asked, coming round her desk. ‘Really truly? What will we do without you?’ She hugged me tight, the sweet smell of cocoa-butter enveloping me. ‘Aren’t we even gonna have a goodbye drink?’ A guilty look crossed her face. ‘I’m sorry about what I said the other day,’ she muttered, staring at her boots. ‘It was well rude. I’ve learned so much from you.’

Sally looked glum. ‘Oh God. It’s just us against them now.’

I picked up my box. ‘You’ll all be great. Just don’t let the bastards grind you down. And remember – there are other programmes outside the inestimable Renee Reveals.’

‘What a shame you won’t be working on any of them.’

Charlie.

I’d wanted to get out before he arrived. He smiled at me like Judas must have smiled at his good friend Jesus.

‘See you,’ I smiled rather feverishly at the others, walking quickly to the lift. ‘Keep in touch.’

Charlie followed me. ‘Don’t do this, Maggie.’

‘It’s too late, Charlie. I’m doing it.’

‘Maggie –’ He grabbed my arm. I shook him off impatiently and jabbed the lift button.

‘Maggie, I –’

‘Leave me alone, Charlie. Do your worst, tell everyone about the summer if you want. I’m not ashamed any more.’

The lift doors slid open and Renee stepped out like a ghastly apparition. I stepped in.

‘Goodbye, Charlie. Renee.’ I smiled pleasantly although my heart was thumping. ‘I wish I could say it’s been fun.’ I pressed Ground. ‘But I’d be lying.’

I drove straight to Barbara Bailey’s and thanked God she was out when I arrived.

‘I’ve come to collect the dog,’ I said politely to the housekeeper.

She looked worried. ‘Mrs Bailey, she not here. I think I check her first; you not mind?’

‘Mrs Bailey is expecting me. I’m in a bit of a rush, actually.’

‘I try call her.’