I bring my attention back to Ronan and ask him if he’s all ready to make his speech next week. I hint at him that I’m hoping the speeches are short, they can be so long-winded.

An hour later and we’re standing outside the door of the pub waiting on a taxi for Emily and Amy. Everyone has had enough and I’m thankful that no one suggested returning to the apartment.

The lads decide to walk home because it’s only two roads behind the pub. When they’ve parted, Emily and Amy get into a taxi, screeching with excitement in anticipation of next week’s wedding.

Andriu says goodbye and walks off in the opposite direction. He’s excited to be going to the wedding and feels less of an outsider now that he has met some of the guests. I get the feeling he’s looking forward to meeting Emily again. They got on a lot better than Emily’s boyfriend would approve of. Andriu told me to get in touch if the cops get in contact again but that I shouldn’t worry too much.

Tiredness is swimming through my body, shutting down each section as it passes through. I can’t wait to fall into bed.

Lucas is dying to pee, hopping from foot to foot when we get into the elevator. When the door opens, he rushes down the corridor and fumbles with the key before he darts into the apartment.

I follow, entering the familiar space with a heavy heart. I’m marrying this wonderful man next week. I need to tell him why I’m so worried about the investigation. What I’m afraid will come to light before the detectives are finished with me.

‘That was a great night,’ Lucas says when he comes out of the toilet. He takes his jacket off and flings it onto the sofa. There is still some pizza left in one of the boxes from earlier on. Lucas takes a slice and shoves it in his mouth cold. ‘Your friend seems to be a bit of a scrooge,’ he mumbles through a mouthful of food. ‘I noticed he didn’t offer to buy a drink all night.’

I knew he didn’t like Andriu. Lucas never has a bad word to say about anyone even when they deserve it. He’s always, ‘Ah, give the man a break.’ Or ‘Sure, you don’t know what they’re going through.’ Sometimes I think he should be writing quotes for Instagram.

I yawn, my mouth opening wide, dragging in as much energy as it can fit. Then I cry. Unplanned tears stream down my face. I no longer have the power to keep them locked away.

‘What’s wrong?’ Lucas says, his voice filled with worry. ‘Did something happen, Tara? Are you okay?’