Suddenly she had an urge to see the other employees from the shop. She realised she needed to get out, to walk the streets of Cambridge and face her fear. The only people in the world who knew what she was going through were her colleagues. Reaching a hand out from below her duvet she felt about on her bedside table for her mobile phone and dialled Jane.

The phone rang for quite some time before Jane finally answered.

‘Yes.’ Her voice was clipped.

‘Hello, Jane. It’s Tilly,’ she said in a childlike tone.

‘I know. Your name came up.’

‘Oh, yes, right. I just wondered if we could get together and meet for a drink perhaps?’

‘You weren’t at our last meeting.’ Jane’s words were unforgiving.

‘I know. I’ve been struggling but I’d like to see you.’ She paused. ‘And the others.’

‘You’ve heard there has been a third, I assume?’

‘Yes.’ Tilly shivered beneath the covers.

‘It’s quite unacceptable.’ Jane ran her hand through her wild hair. ‘I don’t know what the police are actually doing.’

‘Can we meet?’ There was pleading in Tilly’s voice.

‘Where and when?’

‘I don’t mind.’ She hadn’t thought that far ahead. ‘Maybe I should call the others and see what suits everyone best,’ she suggested.

‘Well why don’t you call me and tell me when you’ve decided. I’ll let you know if I can make it, depending on my schedule.’ Jane always did like to make herself seem more important and busier than she was.

‘Okay. I’ll speak to the others and come back to you.’ Tilly felt small.

‘Perhaps don’t bother to invite Marcus,’ Jane said carefully. ‘He’s not really one of us anyway.’

‘Alright,’ Tilly agreed but did not know why she’d done so. ‘I’ll be in touch later on today. Thanks, Jane,’ she said as the line went dead.

Having not enjoyed that phone call one bit, Tilly decided it would be better to text the others instead.

An hour later she had only managed to get Steven to agree to meet. There had always been a mild attraction between them and she was pleased she would get to see his face the following lunchtime. Steven had suggested they meet at The Fort St George pub which was on the river. It was a cosy pub with low ceilings, wooden beams and a large fireplace, and Tilly agreed it would be a good spot for a drink and a bite to eat.

Not wanting to talk to Jane again she texted her the plan: Meet at Fort St George. 12.30am tomorrow x.

A few moments later Tilly received a response: It’s too far from me. I will pass.

Tilly wasn’t at all surprised when she felt relieved. A nice lunch with Steven and a bit of harmless flirting was just what the doctor ordered.