Again Maggie ignored the tone. ‘So he told you the kind of thing we’re trying to find out? It’s really only background. Just if anyone here thought there was anything going on with her, anything bothering her. Did she have any issues with alcohol, that you know of, or …’

‘Didn’t he talk to you about this yesterday?’

‘Briefly, yeah, but—’

‘He’s in now, I’ll get him.’

‘Well, that’s torn it,’ Maggie said sotto voce, watching her weave quickly away. ‘Bugger.’

A minute or so later, the woman reappeared, bringing David with her. Another black sweater, this one slightly V-necked, black jeans, the black glasses – again more French graphic designer or architect than Birmingham city-centre club manager.

No handshake today. ‘May I?’ He pulled out the chair on the opposite side of the table and sat down. ‘So you’re back. Is there any news?’

‘Unfortunately, no.’

‘Can we see that as good news? In a way?’

Maggie tipped her head. ‘If you want. I don’t think we can see it as anything at the moment. As I said to …?’

‘Lisa,’ said the woman now hovering at his shoulder.

‘To Lisa, this is really just another fishing expedition; we haven’t got much further since we spoke yesterday. But you mentioned then that Becca had good friends here, especially among the other girls.’

The manager looked at Lisa. ‘Yes, that’s true,’ she said.

‘Was there anyone she was particularly close to, would you say?’ Robin asked. ‘Someone she might have confided in?’

‘No,’ said David.

‘Tarryn,’ said Lisa.

Robin looked between them.

‘She’s not on tonight,’ he said. ‘Tarryn’s Aussie, she’s here travelling. She’s taken a few days off. Edinburgh, is it, this time?’ Again he looked at Lisa.

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m section head in the back room, so … It’s what she does – works extra shifts and saves up a bit then puts her time off together and visits a new city. She’s been more places in the UK than I have. I’ve never been to Edinburgh.’ She looked at David as if it were his fault. ‘Or Liverpool. That’s where she went last time.’

‘When did she leave?’ asked Robin.

‘Monday?’ said David.

Lisa nodded.

‘Do you have a number for her?’