‘A bit. But it’s more than that. I mean, obviously James is autistic and that makes life a bit more challenging. She had planned to go back to work, you know? After her maternity leave. But the cost of childcare, all the running around, what you do when they’re not well – all of it. It makes life really difficult for working parents.’ She glanced at Chris. ‘I hadn’t realised how hard it was until James was born.’

‘Still not sure where you’re going with this, Clare.’

‘Nor am I, to be honest,’ she said. ‘It’s just that, well, Jude and Frank, like I say, they struggle at times and there are two of them. Imagine doing it on your own?’

‘Like Melanie?’

‘Like Melanie. No one to share worries over bills, never mind the cost of shoes for kids. No one to help you get a sense of proportion. To tell you that sleeping with men for money isn’t the answer.’ She shook her head. ‘I just think we shouldn’t judge her too harshly.’

‘I’m not. But the likes of Doug and Val – I’ll judge them for exploiting women like Melanie. Don’t tell me you don’t feel the same?’

Clare sighed. ‘Yeah, I do. Of course I do. All I’m saying is, I get what Melanie means.’ She smiled at Chris. ‘Probably sounds stupid.’

‘Don’t be daft. I know what you mean. Sara’s friends have a wee one and they’re always stuck for money. Oh, hold on – get in the left lane.’

‘Junction fifteen?’

‘Yeah. Follow signs for Springburn.’

Clare took the slip road off the motorway towards a T-junction. ‘Every time I come through here it feels like they’ve changed the roads.’

‘That’s age.’

‘Shut up.’

‘Next left… then right.’

Minutes later Clare drew into a vacant space in front of the red-brick building. ‘I’ve never actually been inside this station,’ she said, as they walked to the main entrance.

‘Nor me.’

They were buzzed through, past the public enquiry area, and Clare signed them both in.

‘Hello stranger,’ a voice said.

Clare turned to see Jackie Boland, a friend from her days in Glasgow. In contrast to everyone else in their work suits or police uniforms she was casually dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. She grinned at Clare and nodded to Chris.

‘Jackie! What are you doing here?’

Jackie smiled. ‘I heard you were coming in today,’ she said, ‘so I thought I’d hang about.’ She indicated her clothes. ‘Obviously I’m not on duty. Well, sort of. I’m only in to catch up on paperwork. Officially it’s my day off.’

‘So this is your station now?’

‘For a couple of months, at least,’ Jackie said. ‘I’m Acting DI, which is why I’m here on my day off. Trying to create a good impression by pretending I’m on top of things.’