Adele was sitting on a bar stool, people watching as usual. In front of her was a glass of water. She’d decided not to drink wine tonight as she wanted to keep a clear head. Peter had left her and Mike in charge of the club and she wanted to make sure she had her wits about her. Although he had assured her that Mike would take care of any aggravation, she didn’t really trust Mike.

Peter hadn’t disclosed what was so important that it kept both him and Glynn away from the club on the same night. Even though she’d pressed him for details, he’d just said that they had important business to tend to and it was best if he didn’t tell her any more than that. Then he’d reassured her that there was nothing for her to worry about.

She’d been watching Mike for the last half-hour. He seemed edgy, pacing about and constantly looking around. He was certainly taking his responsibility seriously, she thought. Maybe it was the first time he’d been left in charge of the club and he was a bit nervous about it.

The club was starting to fill out and a group of people made their way to the bar area, momentarily blocking her view of Mike. By the time they had moved out of the way she realised Mike was gone. Curious, she said to Paula, ‘Where did Mike go?’

Paula shrugged. ‘Not sure, but he was heading towards the foyer.’

Adele wasn’t sure what had piqued her curiosity; maybe she was just worried about having to take charge of things on her own. But whatever it was, something made her go out into the foyer to see what Mike was up to. She arrived just in time to see Mike walk out of the club with Glynn.

‘Mike, where are you going?’ she shouted but they were on the other side of the large club foyer by then and neither of them seemed to hear her.

After a moment’s hesitation Adele dashed after them. She opened the door, feeling a chill as the wind cut through the thin material of her top. Then her eyes scanned the street. It was difficult to pick out anyone from the crowd of people outside the club. Some were queuing to get in but others were hovering in small clusters, chatting and laughing.

A thought occurred to her. They could be round the back of the club, which was where most of the staff parked their cars, on a croft across the road. She fought her way through the crowd, then turned down the side street that led to the rear of the club.

A van was approaching as she turned into the backstreet. She caught a glimpse of Mike in the front passenger seat as it passed her. By the time she registered that it was him, the van had gone.