Claire pushed her glasses up and rubbed her eyes. She looked very tired and vulnerable. No bloody wonder, thought Lindsay. “Where is Cordelia now?” Lindsay asked. “I think we both owe it to her to ask her face to face about this.”

Claire got to her feet. “She’s at my flat. I’m surprised you’ve got the nerve to face her with this. And I hope you’ve got the good grace to accept her explanation when she gives it.” Claire swept out of the bar, Lindsay following.

“My car’s just round the corner,” Lindsay said.

Claire nodded. She followed Lindsay in silence, and didn’t open her mouth again till they were on the threshold of her flat. “No accusations, Lindsay. No performances like last night. We’ll just show her what you’ve shown me then ask her in a civilized manner for an explanation.”

Claire’s injunctions were wasted. They entered the flat to find it empty. “That’s funny,” Claire said, half to herself. “She said she’d be in all day. She had some work to do.” She hurried through to the bedroom, followed by Lindsay. One wardrobe door stood open, revealing a row of empty hangers. “Oh no,” Claire breathed. She turned to a tall pine chest of drawers and pulled the bottom two open. They too were empty.

“Looks like she’s done a runner,” Lindsay commented. “I think that tells us all we need to know.”

Claire turned on her. “Are you happy now?” she screamed.

Unable to cope with Claire, Lindsay walked out of the room and through to the kitchen. There, on top of the dishwasher, was a note. Unashamed, Lindsay picked it up and read it.

Dearest Claire, I’m sorry. I can’t stay here waiting for Lindsay to weave a net around me. Going to jail would kill me, and Lindsay can be very efficient when she’s got the bit between her teeth. I never meant to hurt you, and I’m sorry it turned out that way. I know you’ll doubt this in the light of what has happened, but my love for you was and is genuine. I didn’t make you love me out of expediency, please believe that. Once again, I’m truly sorry. Love, C.

Very clever, thought Lindsay. A long way short of a confession, yet managing to cast doubt on anything Lindsay herself might turn up. She dropped the note and turned to find Claire standing in the doorway.

“I think you’ve done enough snooping,” Claire said, her voice shaking. “You’ve outstayed your welcome, Lindsay.”

“I’m sorry too, Claire,” Lindsay said.

“Spare me the crocodile tears,” Claire retorted bitterly. “Just get out.”