Amy nodded and rushed out of the room, leaving Maggie and Marion wondering what to do with themselves while their friend was possibly saying goodbye to her husband for the last time.

22

2pm 28 June

Shirley was in the staff room collecting her bag and preparing to sign out. Her colleague, Ruby, was enjoying a cup of tea and some peace and quiet during her fifteen-minute break.

‘Anything nice planned for this afternoon?’ Ruby asked, dipping a digestive biscuit into a milky cup of tea.

‘I’m going to see my friend, Kim.’ Shirley was not in the mood for making small talk with Ruby, but since Ruby was her senior she decided she’d better play nice.

‘Oh, have a lovely time. I’m on till six.’ She sighed, looking at the clock on the wall.

‘Hopefully you won’t get any trouble. They’re all too wiped out from the heat to kick up much fuss at the moment.’

‘I know how they feel,’ Ruby chuckled, as half of her soggy biscuit fell into her tea. ‘Damn,’ she said, trying to scoop it out with her fingers.

‘See you tomorrow.’ Shirley smiled, pleased to be leaving work.

‘See you then.’ Ruby was sucking her biscuit-covered fingers as Shirley left.

She’d wondered if she would ever have another friend as good as Janet, and Kim’s text gave her hope that she might. It was clear that Kim wanted to confide in her about something, and she’d chosen Shirley over everyone else, which made her feel special.

On her way to Kim’s house on the Lynfield Lane, in Chesterton, close to Stourbridge Common, Shirley stopped off at a petrol station and picked up a bottle of wine. She knew how keen Kim was to drink, and that day she fancied a glass or two herself. It had been a stressful week.

As she pulled up outside Kim’s house, Shirley felt a tingle of excitement. Her day was about to get a lot better. She’d always enjoyed Kim’s company, even if she was a bit gobby and had a tendency to drink too much. Blowing off some steam with a bottle of wine and amusing company was just what she needed.

Still in her uniform, she smoothed her fringe before knocking on the door. She was grateful for the small amount of shade the porch offered, and, as the door opened, she held up the bottle with a beaming grin.

Kim looked summery in her faded denim skirt and pastel yellow T-shirt.

‘I brought supplies!’ Shirley stepped forward and gave her friend a hug, noticing that the embrace was not exactly reciprocated with warmth.

‘I’ll get some glasses. Why don’t you go into the garden?’

Shirley followed Kim through the house, disappointed – and unnerved – by the stiff welcome she’d received.

‘The kids not here?’ she asked, looking around.