The glass was empty. So was the bottle. Good reason for Reid to push himself to his feet. He did not notice the groan that accompanied his movement. It happened every time, caused by a combination of age and weight.

Reid picked up both the wine bottle and glass and headed to the kitchen. His stride was steady, even after three bottles. One of the few benefits of Reid’s size was his alcohol tolerance. The three bottles had hit him. But not as they would have affected most. It would take a few more before Reid was as drunk as he wanted to be.

One last bottle of the same Chambertin sat on the kitchen worktop. Another £100. Reid was long past caring. He opened the bottle, filled a fresh glass and made his way back to the living room.

The sound of a mobile ringtone stopped Reid before he could take his seat. He looked around the room, trying to locate the sound. At first he could not place it. The alcohol had taken at least that much of a toll.

Finally he spotted the illuminated handset. It was on a side table next to the living-room door.

Reid picked up the vibrating phone, checked the name of the caller and only then flicked the answer icon from left to right.

‘Sarah.’ Reid spoke once the phone was at his ear. ‘Everything OK?’

‘Yes, all fine. I just wanted to check up on you, make sure you’re holding up after today.’

‘I’m OK, Sarah. Really I am.’

‘And how was the funeral?’ Sarah asked.

‘It was a lovely service. As lovely as they can be, anyway. He had a good send-off at least.’

Reid felt tears threaten his eyes as he spoke.

‘That’s good,’ Sarah replied. ‘Now listen. You don’t need to be by yourself tonight if you don’t want to be. Michael’s just up the road from you. He can come and stay tonight if you like?’

‘That’s really nice of you, Sarah. But please, tell Michael I’m good on my own. I honestly couldn’t face company right now.’

‘What are you going to do?’

‘Just have a few more bottles of wine and watch some TV. Then probably an early night, once the wine kicks in.’

‘That’s no good at a time like this, Derek. You need to be with friends. Please, let me send Michael over to you.’

Reid was unsure how much longer he could hold himself together. The call was not helping.

‘Honestly, Sarah. I mean what I said. I don’t need Michael to check on me. This is my first chance to be on my own since Phillip died and I need that time. Please, just tell him to give me a few days.’

‘Well . . . OK,’ Sarah said, after a brief hesitation. ‘But remember we’re here the moment you need us, Derek. And remember we love you.’

‘OK. I love you guys too. Thanks.’

Reid took the phone from his ear, disconnected the call and switched it off entirely. He frisbee’d the dead handset onto his couch.