‘Because I told you yesterday that I would. So that’s what I’m going to do. I know how important this is to you.’

‘Thanks, Dee. I really appreciate it.’

‘It’s a pleasure,’ Dee said. ‘Actually, I was wondering if you fancy meeting for a quick coffee?’

‘Not now,’ Emer said. ‘Sorry. First day in my new job. I’m already crazy busy.’

‘Where are you working?’

‘The City,’ Emer said. ‘Isn’t that what you guys call your financial district?’

‘That’s where I am right now,’ Dee said. In fact, she was just south of the City, but she knew it was only a short walk from the river to the City of London with its narrow streets and glass and concrete buildings rising up to meet the clear blue sky. ‘I’m happy to hang around until you’re finished? It would be lovely to see you before I go back to Eastbourne.’

‘I’ll be working really late,’ Emer said. ‘It’s always like this on short-term contracts. I could be here for another six hours. That’s why I need you, Dee. I’m going to be working flat out. How about I give you a ring tomorrow and maybe we can sort something out the next time you’re in London?’

‘Okay.’ Dee was disappointed, but told herself it was to be expected. Today was, after all, Emer’s first day in her new job. She was probably doing all she could to prove herself. ‘And hopefully you can come down to Eastbourne soon. My house is right on the beach. If the weather stays like this you’ll be able to swim in the sea.’

‘Sounds great,’ Emer said. ‘Sorry, Dee. I really have to go. Catch you soon, yeah?’

Dee had planned to spend the time on the train getting some writing done. After a period when she couldn’t get any work, her career was taking off again. A recent story she’d written, exploring the links between two murders sixty years apart, had been picked up by one of the national papers and she’d barely paused for breath since. Alongside regular writing jobs, she’d also been busy doing interviews for radio and TV. She’d signed the publishing deal and her agent was also in talks with a radio production company to do a six-part series about the two victims.

Suddenly, everyone seemed interested in what Dee had to say. It was exhilarating to be in demand again, and she wanted to make the most of it. The sudden upsurge in work couldn’t have come at a better time. It had kept her from slipping into the dark place she’d been in after she’d first moved back to Eastbourne. Most importantly, it had kept her mind off Ed Mitchell and their recent, failed relationship.