‘Bloody useless they are,’ said Edward, once I’d seen them out. ‘It’s not their fault, though, is it? It’s all the bastard cuts.’ He pointed to a leather chair near the window. ‘Sit for a minute, gather yourself.’

I politely obliged, still jittery, desperate to leave. The seat squeaked beneath me.

‘Let me get you a nice sweet cup of tea.’ As he pushed himself up, his breathing rattled. Climaxing in a cough on reaching a standing position.

‘Are you sure you won’t get seen by a doctor? My friend lives opposite and I—’

‘No. Absolutely not. I gel with doctors even less than I do with the police. Now, milk and sugar?’

‘No . . . I . . . I really should be getting home, Edward. If you’re OK, that is? Is there anyone I can contact for you? Get to come over?’ I also stood and we lingered awkwardly in the middle of the room.

He took a silk paisley handkerchief from his trouser pocket and wiped his eyes beneath his glasses. ‘Well, how about another time? Let me thank you properly. I’ll get some biscuits in.’

‘Yes . . . yes, I’d love to,’ I said with no intention of doing so.

My phone rang from within my bag. It was you.

‘Sorry. I need to take this.’ Turning away to answer, I faced the window. And there you were. I could see right into your flat. How your handset was sandwiched between your ear and neck crook, as you were putting your arms through a T-shirt.

‘Sorry, Constance. Did you call a bit ago? I was in the shower. Is everything OK?’

I suppose I should have mentioned that I was watching you, but I didn’t. Only briefed you on events as you towel-dried your hair, stopping as the shocking incident unfolded. Then you said the words ‘Come over to mine.’

When the call had ended, I tried to contain my excitement. ‘Sorry about that, Edward.’

‘Well, I can’t thank you enough, darling girl.’

‘Please . . . stop thanking me. I don’t know what happened, where it came from . . . but I’m no hero, I promise you. Here, take my number – for if you need anything.’ I removed an old receipt from my bag and used the pen that rested on the paper that straddled the arm of his chair.

He thanked me, folded it neatly and placed it in his back pocket as we walked side by side through the hall towards the door.

‘I still can’t believe it, you know – how you swung into action like that. I bet you never thought you’d react that way in a million years.’

His kind eyes creased as he laughed. I laughed too. Though it was fake. Because I should never be shocked by what I’m capable of. Not when I’d already done such a terrible thing.

You buzzed me …