He got into the car and, once again, I noticed his strange scent. I felt mean. He was probably a nice enough bloke and, like most people, just looking for love. It had been cowardly of me to ignore his texts and then lie to him. I resolved to do better and be friendly at least.

I dropped him at the tube. On my way back up to Highgate village, I took my usual route past where Stuart lived. The road was blocked by two removal trucks. I was about to reverse when I noticed Stuart’s wife, Janet, was supervising the men. She looked harassed and, as soon as she spotted me, came over to the car.

I wound down the window. ‘Are you moving?’ My heart sank. Stuart hadn’t mentioned this, although maybe that was what he had to tell me when he’d talked about catching up on changes.

‘Yes. Off we go. New start.’ She indicated the trucks. ‘It’s manic.’

‘I know. I’m in the process of moving too. But where are you going?’

‘Stuart hasn’t told you?’

‘No.’

‘Arundel. Fresh start and all that. Anyway, better go.’

‘Isn’t Stuart helping?’

‘He’s at the prison Friday mornings. Convenient, isn’t it, leaving me to do all the donkey work. Typical man.’

‘Prison?’

‘He teaches accountancy to the inmates there once a month. Didn’t you know?’

‘No.’

‘Has done for years. Anyway, I’d better get on.’ She sighed. ‘I’m exhausted and we’ve only just got started. I could kill Stuart disappearing at a time like this.’

‘Surely he’ll be back later?’

‘Doubt it. Probably for the best, he’d only get in the way. That reminds me, I must make sure I haven’t packed his suit. He’ll need it as we’ve got a wedding to go to next week. Last thing I need at the moment but—’