As she sips the hot drink and stares at the blemished view through the plastic marquee window, the rucksack trembles on the table in front of her. It’s the buzz of a phone. Hers is in her pocket, so it must be Simon’s. She considers leaving it – it’s probably a work call and she’s not in the mood to play secretary – but eventually curiosity overrides her reticence. By the time she fishes it out, the screen has labelled it a missed call, but also displays that it is the third time the mobile number has tried him this morning. Beth’s forehead creases. Simon checks his phone every five minutes. Beth taps in his code to open the phone – 2306, their wedding anniversary – then clicks into his recents. Sure enough, the same number is listed three times in red. There are two new voicemails. She clicks on the first one – left at eight thirty this morning, when Simon will surely have had his phone to hand – and lifts the handset to her ear.

Good morning, Mr Packard. This is DC Stone, returning your call regarding Mark Sullivan. There has actually been a development in the case, so I’d be very grateful if you could give me a call back as soon as possible on this number. Many thanks.

The voicemail finishes, and Beth looks at the screen. Simon was desperate to talk to the detective yesterday. Why didn’t he pick up? Or at least listen to the voicemail and call DC Stone straight back? But there is also an undercurrent in the detective’s voice that Beth doesn’t like. She wonders what the development is, and why DC Stone didn’t elaborate. She clicks on the second voicemail, left half an hour ago, and puts the phone back against her ear.

Mr Packard, it’s DC Stone again. I’m not sure if you’ve picked up my voicemail from earlier, but I am very keen to talk with you regarding Mark Sullivan. My colleague and I are heading in your direction now, so we’ll stop by, see if you’re in.

The weight of something unpleasant drops onto Beth’s shoulders. It’s invisible, but she can feel it wrapping around her. As she stares at the phone, a third voicemail magically appears on the list. It must be from the call she’s just missed.

Mr Packard, no luck trying you at home. Listen, you may hear from your neighbour that Mark Sullivan is in hospital. There’s nothing to worry about, but I would be grateful if you could return my call at your earliest convenience.