‘Remember the Tombday case, and all the hobnobbing balls that were thrown for the senior glitterati of Cumbrian business?’

‘Yes, I do. Very well. I’m not proud of it.’ He had attended many of the functions in question, and had rubbed shoulders with many of Cumbria’s great and good. Senior pathologists were always welcome at such celebrations. However, the Tombday case had blown the network apart and many of the old guard were now imprisoned, or dead.

‘Neil Ormond. Know him?’

‘Of course, the superintendent? Is he running the show?’

‘Yes, but being blunt…’

‘The only way to be… He likes the limelight, doesn’t he? Don’t tell me, he’s getting in the way? He’s very old school, Neil. I should imagine he’s finding working with you a challenge. Not only are you a woman, but you’re an incredibly talented one at that.’

‘Well, thank you. I’ve got a problem, Dad.’

Ted stopped stirring. ‘What is it?’

‘I don’t trust him.’

He put the spoon down and gave her his full attention. ‘Your instinct is rarely off target. Is it that you don’t like him or that you think he’s not trustworthy?’

‘I don’t know. I need evidence.’

‘Go easy. He’s a very big fish in a little pond.’

‘Can you remember him hobnobbing with Colin Day and Barry Crawley?’

Ted began stirring again, and June appeared in the doorway. She went to Kelly and embraced her. Kelly could be particular about her personal space, but she didn’t find June or Amber invasive: it was genuine affection, and she hugged her back.

‘It’s good to see you again,’ she said.

‘Is this a serious conversation?’ June asked.

‘Just work. You look lovely, June, have you been away?’

‘We had a mini break in Paris and the weather was incredible. It’s a fierce market to break into, but Silk is in talks with a chocolate supplier that fulfils restaurant orders across Paris.’

‘Oh my God, June! That’s amazing! Come on, let’s celebrate,’ Kelly said.

‘Open that bottle of bubbly in the fridge, girls,’ Ted said. Kelly knew it would be a good one; he only ever bought Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favourite. ‘I do remember Neil being rather friendly with that lot. It was fairly normal back then. That is a worrisome development, but let’s pursue it another time.’

Kelly opened the champagne and the cork flew into the ceiling with a pop. She filled two glasses, then took the bottle into the lounge.

‘What’s the occasion?’ Amber asked, giving her a hug.

‘June was just telling me about Paris.’

‘I’ll drink to that!’ Amber fetched more flutes and Johnny accepted a glass, allowing Josie and Callum one too.

‘Don’t worry,’ Ted shouted, ‘I’ve got more!’