Kelly thought that Dave Crawley’s wife might want to reassess her taste in men (Crawley’s original conviction had been for people trafficking in his lorries out of Europe), but on this occasion, it was Kelly’s judgement that was in question, not that of the criminal. It pushed thousands of Kelly’s buttons simultaneously. Only a run could sweat it out, and even then not all of it.

‘It’s because she knows it will get under your skin,’ Johnny said.

‘And it has. It’s not so much the journalist: her articles might be read by a thousand people and forgotten. It’s her criticism of my team.’

‘Come on. Focus on the good. You know it’s bullshit and that’s all that matters. You’re not mentioned by name. You can’t let her concern you, she knows nothing about your job. No one will associate you two. It hurts because she’s your sister. She wouldn’t have done it if your mum was still here.’

‘I know.’ The pain of missing Wendy was still keen. Both her mother and John Porter had been taken too young. Cancer. It was tragically unfair.

‘I wish I could ignore her.’

‘It’s a good excuse to do just that,’ Johnny said.

‘What?’

‘She’s betrayed you in a very public forum. It’s shitty behaviour. You are fully justified to break off any ties to her. Your mum’s house is sold, you don’t need to have anything to do with her any more.’

‘What about the kids?’ Nikki had three daughters.

‘Send them gifts and cards. They’ll make their own minds up when they’re old enough.’

‘It’s harsh, I still feel responsible.’

‘For putting a trafficker away where he belonged?’

‘For taking a man away from his family.’

‘No. Don’t let Nikki win. Dave Crawley is scum and he got what he deserved. What about the girls that died because of him? You’ll never find out how many had their lives ruined because of him. Think of the young girls, chained to beds in a stinking flat in Workington, sold to vagrant trade for sex.’

‘I know. You’re right.’

They stood watching the families and tourists talking about the stones and pointing to various points around the natural amphitheatre. Kelly guessed that’s why it had been built there in the first place: because it was in a natural dip surrounded by mountains. It was a dramatic setting. Johnny stretched his calves and Kelly jumped up and down on the spot.

‘Ted said to me that I should try and heal the rift for Mum’s sake.’

‘Really? That surprises me. He doesn’t know what’s gone on. Do you want me to have a word?’

‘No, but thank you.’

‘I guess as you get older, you feel mortal and arguments seem pointless. Ready?’ he asked.

Kelly nodded.

‘What do you think about black magic?’