‘No,’ Liam said, but I knew he was lying. ‘What message?’

‘I haven’t heard from James since I dropped him at Heathrow. But you obviously have.’

‘Yes,’ he admitted carefully, ‘yes, I have. He’s fine.’

‘But he’s not at the Rex,’ I said. ‘You always stay there, don’t you?’

The doorbell rang.

‘That’ll be Star.’ Visible relief crossed Liam’s freckled face. ‘She went to get some fags from the shop.’

‘So where is James?’ I said, pressing him.

‘He’s going down to Vang Tau to meet the investors, I think. Seaside resort,’ Liam muttered. ‘Decided not to stay in Saigon. Too hot at this time of year.’

The doorbell rang again. ‘Shall we?’ he said with something like desperation, and we made our way down the hall, my brain whirring.

‘You’re not rushing straight off, are you?’ I asked, opening the front door. ‘Have a cup of coffee before you go?’

‘I’d love to, but we’re in a rush, actually.’ Liam’s discomfort was almost palpable. ‘We’ve only got the room for one night. Sorry.’

‘Oh,’ I said, nonplussed. Star peered at me myopically from the doorstep, her fur collar framing her pointy little face, black leather boots up to her thighs, tiny frayed denim skirt.

‘How do, Rose?’ Her flat Northern tone was friendly. ‘Nice to see you. I like your hair.’

I hadn’t brushed it all day, but she was in earnest.

‘Thanks,’ I mumbled.

‘Did you get it, Liam? Can we get gone now?’

‘Yep.’ He gave me a bear-hug. ‘Got it. Thanks, Rosie. Sorry I scared you.’

‘I’ve got a manicure booked at three,’ Star said, turning back to the car. ‘Wax hands and all.’

‘Right.’ I had no idea what she meant. ‘Well, enjoy.’

‘We will.’ Liam beamed at me – a small boy off the hook. I grabbed his hand as he turned away.

‘Liam.’ I was starting to feel hurt. ‘Why didn’t James tell me where he’d be?’

‘Dunno, Rosie.’ He shrugged. ‘Do you tell each other much these days?’

‘Is that an accusation?’ I felt a cold stone in the pit of my stomach, but his tone had been guileless.

‘No. Just an observation.’

‘Are you really sure you won’t stay for a cuppa?’ I said, suddenly loath to be alone.

‘Another time, Rosie.’ He glanced at the car. ‘It’s just – I don’t want to blow this. I really like her. And you know me and women.’

‘Er, yeah.’ Liam was the archetypal Jack-the-lad. ‘I do know you and women.’

We both looked at Star, busy redoing her dark lipstick in the car mirror, contorting her neat little face for the perfect pout.

‘I’ll try and stop by tomorrow on our way back, OK?’

‘Not sure I’ll be here,’ I said, attempting a smile. ‘Got to collect the three musketeers from my mum’s. You go and have fun.’