She went in the back door and emerged minutes later carrying a tray with two tall glasses. She put it down on the garden table and they sat, enjoying the afternoon sun.

The DCI drank his down in one go. ‘I needed that,’ he said.

‘More?’

He shook his head. ‘No that’s great, thanks. I want to get back to the weeding before I go off the idea. But… won’t you tell me what’s on your mind?’

Clare looked down at her glass, watching the bubbles rise to the surface. Her mouth was dry now and she took another sip. Then she said, ‘The last thing I ever want to do is to stand in your way, Al.’

He frowned. ‘Why would you ever think you’d do that?’

‘Your promotion, or whatever it is. I do realise it’ll be in Scotland and I know it’s not a huge country but…’

He took hold of her hand. ‘Clare.’

‘I was so hurt when Geoff moved away. I don’t think I could do that again.’

‘Clare,’ he said again, ‘I’m not Geoff. And I’m not going anywhere. Not as long as you want me, at least.’

‘Aren’t you?’

‘Of course not, you dope. The promotion – even if I get it, which is unlikely – I can choose my base.’

‘Oh.’

‘Yes.’

‘And where would you go?’

He shrugged. ‘I mean Dunfermline’s great – friendly staff, I have a good office, handy for my house but it’s a bit away from you; and I do seem to be spending more time here.’

She waited. Waited to see what he would say next.

‘I thought maybe Dundee. It’s a decent size of station, handy for St Andrews… and Daisy Cottage.’ He smiled and began tracing a muddy finger across her hand. ‘I could even think about renting my house out.’ He flicked a glance at her. ‘If I wouldn’t be in the way here.’

A smile spread across her face. ‘I like the sound of that, Al,’ she said. ‘I like it very much.’

‘Good,’ he said. ‘’Cause, frankly, this garden could do with a bit of attention and it gets bugger all from you.’

She laughed. ‘None taken!’ From within her pocket she felt her phone vibrate and her heart sank.

‘Leave it,’ he said.

She shook her head. ‘You know I can’t.’ She took it out and a smile spread across her face. She swiped to take the call. ‘Jude! Hi,’ she said. ‘Lovely to hear from you. How’s—’

Her sister cut across her. ‘Clare,’ she said, an odd note to her voice, ‘you’re on speakerphone. Frank and I have some news…’

Clare realised what her sister was trying to tell her. Don’t ask about the baby. I’m about to tell you. Sound surprised.

‘We’re having another baby!’ Jude said and Clare heard the sound of Frank cheering in the background.