Johnny finished eating and placed his plate on the side, then propped himself up and watched her. He looked down at his hands and picked at his nails; it was out of character.

‘What if you need to stay longer?’

She stopped what she was doing. ‘That won’t be necessary. I’m not going to solve the case, I’m just going to get to know my opposite number. It’s a joint inquiry now.’

‘I got a call yesterday from my mate at the hospice in Hertfordshire: they need guides to take groups up the Three Peaks for a fund-raising challenge.’

Kelly smiled. She knew he’d do it. Not just because he loved it, but because he couldn’t say no. Just like she couldn’t.

‘Do it with me?’ he said. ‘I haven’t done all three in years. I’d only be a guide on Scafell Pike; you and I could go on and do Ben Nevis and Snowdon on our own.’

‘Why not? Getting away for a weekend doing that would be great. I’m in.’

‘You already packed that three times.’ He nodded at the green Jack Wolfskin fleece she wore for walking.

‘I’m not a city girl any more,’ she said.

‘I hope you don’t turn into one either. You might get the bug back and decide to stay.’

‘Don’t be stupid. I’ve got too much here to keep me. The only reason I’m going myself and not sending a junior is because I can’t get George Murphy out of my head.’

‘I know. You’re hooked, and until you find out what happened, you won’t let go.’

‘It sounds so dramatic when you say it like that. Why can’t I just let someone else have a go?’

‘You do. All the time. But this one’s complicated. I could tell that when you first told me about it.’

‘Look after Ted for me.’

‘I’ve arranged to take him for a pint, and I’m walking with him tomorrow. I’ve got something in mind that ends up at a pub.’ Johnny winked. ‘Anyway, why so maudlin? You’re talking as if you’re going to be away a lot longer than a week. Is there something you’re not telling me?’

‘No. Not at all. I just don’t like leaving. I didn’t think it would be this hard.’