Clare wakened at six o’clock with the sun streaming in through a gap in her bedroom curtains. Her nose was blocked and her throat felt dry. She sneezed and reached for the box of tissues at her bedside. She blew her nose then sat up in bed, putting a hand out to steady herself. Her head was still swimming and she glanced at her phone. She could see messages and missed calls but her eyes were still fuzzy and she put the phone down. It was time she got back to the station. They’d be wondering where she was.

The bedroom door opened and DCI Alastair Gibson appeared with a mug of tea. ‘Thought you might want a hot drink,’ he said. ‘Fancy some breakfast?’

‘Breakfast?’ She stared at him. ‘Don’t tell me…’

‘You’ve slept the clock round, Clare. I came home about seven to find you wrapped up in my dressing gown, snoring and snuffling. I popped in to see you a few times during the evening but you were sound.’

‘It’s morning?’

‘Yep.’ He set the mug down on a coaster and sat on the bed. ‘I slept in the spare room,’ he said.

Across the room Clare could see her reflection in the mirror. Yesterday’s mascara was smudged down her cheeks and her nose was red. ‘I don’t blame you,’ she said. ‘I look like the wreck of the Hesperus.’

He laughed. ‘Not quite. But I have seen you look better.’

She reached for her phone and the DCI put out his hand. ‘No you don’t,’ he said. ‘You’re not fit to go in.’

She sneezed again. ‘It’s just a cold.’

‘And you’ll infect the whole team.’

She shook her head. ‘I’ve a killer to find, Al. I need to go in.’

‘I phoned Tony. He’ll be back today.’

She regarded him. ‘That’s exactly why I need to go in.’ Then she sneezed again.

‘Back in your bed, you. Or I’ll phone Elaine.’

The mere mention of the Force Welfare Officer was enough for Clare to admit defeat. She sank back on her pillows. ‘Okay but I want updates by phone.’

He rose from the bed. ‘Just drink your tea.’

It was after nine when Clare lifted her head from the pillow again. Where on earth was the time going? The house was quiet and she propped herself up on her elbows and pulled back the bedroom curtain. Al’s car was gone. She had the house to herself. She sat up gingerly and was pleased to see her head was no longer spinning. She swung her legs round and out of bed. Her eyes still felt gritty but her head wasn’t as sore as it had been. Maybe she could make it into work…