‘I didn’t expect to see you for another week,’ she said when Heidi handed her a mug.

Sterling was waiting for the other woman to make some flippant remark in response before taking her coffee out the back as usual. But Heidi went behind the bar and leaned a hip against the counter.

‘It’s so gloomy at home,’ she said. ‘I’d rather be here. They’re starting to put things together for the funeral.’

‘From what I’ve been told,’ Sterling said carefully, ‘you’ll feel better once the funeral’s over.’

Heidi looked her up and down, then gazed into the dining room, making Sterling feel as though she had never said anything less useful.

‘If there’s anything I can do, or if you need me to cover any more shifts . . .’

‘Thanks, but I’m fine. They’ll handle it all.’ And with that Heidi put down her coffee, picked up two menus and went to greet a couple who’d walked in.

Sterling sipped her coffee, deciding not to press her for more information. She and Heidi had never spoken at length about anything, and her sudden interest could raise her suspicions.

They’ll handle it all. Spoken in a tone that suggested they always had.

Sterling took a final mouthful of coffee as a group of diners arrived, and for the next four hours, she was so busy keeping up with the dinner rush she didn’t have time to think about anything else. At ten o’clock, Elijah told them the chef had left dinner for them in the kitchen.

‘You go first,’ Sterling said to Heidi, smiling. ‘You’ve been here longer than me.’

‘Okay.’ Heidi spun around, then stepped back as she came face to face with Rodney Garrett.

Sterling’s smile faded. Garrett had come in without either of them noticing, but in that split second, she saw that Heidi was afraid of him.

‘I’ve been looking for you, baby,’ he crooned, slipping an arm around Heidi’s waist and putting his face close to hers.

‘Rod, I’m working.’ Heidi jerked away in pain, as if he’d pinched her.

‘You call this work?’ he asked, his eyes cutting to Sterling, his expression suggesting that she push off.

Sterling didn’t move. She recognised Garrett’s type from her police work. Needy, controlling and intimidating.

‘Ida,’ she heard Heidi say.

Sterling didn’t flinch. She held Garrett’s cold-eyed stare until he finally turned away and walked over to the bar.

Heidi grabbed her arm, though her eyes were on Garrett as he started talking to Elijah. ‘Don’t do that.’

‘What, stand up to him?’ Sterling couldn’t help saying.

Heidi let go of her arm. ‘Stay out of it,’ she hissed, before going and joining Garrett.