Jess patted her on the shoulder. ‘Trust Gaby. She’s ace. She’ll put you at ease and, honestly, it’ll be over before you know it. It’s only an eight-minute slot.’

A man Clare vaguely recognised rushed into the room, announcing he was famished. He made his way to the table and began loading a plate with sandwiches.

‘Isn’t that…’ she began to whisper.

Jess smiled. ‘Yep. Danny. His new six-parter starts on Sunday night so he’s in for a chat.’ She scanned a whiteboard across the room. ‘Think he’s on after you, Clare. You have top billing!’

They were just finished their coffees when Gaby appeared. She was beautifully dressed in an exquisitely cut pale grey outfit. ‘Clare!’ she said, all smiles. She touched her lightly on the arm. ‘Can’t kiss you, I’m afraid. Just out of make-up. Hair’s like a brick!’ She laughed and Clare was glad to see her looking more cheerful than the last time they’d met, in Gaby’s hotel room.

‘Do you remember Al from the wedding?’ Clare said, indicating the DCI.

Gaby made a show of taking him in then winking broadly at Clare. ‘Oh, I remember,’ she said, and the DCI flushed.

Clare said, ‘I’m as nervous as hell, Gaby. Not sure what I’ve let myself in for.’

Gaby sat down beside them, taking care to smooth her dress under her as she sat. ‘Don’t be,’ she said. ‘Just be yourself. It’s a short item where I talk about my own recent experience of dealing with the police, then I introduce you and ask you a few questions about living and working in St Andrews – how it differs from bigger cities, how you’re forging a career in a world that’s still male-dominated, how to set about major enquiries from such a small base – it’s a little bit of insight into the work you do. People love to hear behind-the-scenes tales from the emergency services.’ She smiled again. ‘I gather you inherited your dog during your first major enquiry in the town.’

Clare gaped. ‘How on earth…’

‘Oh we have very good researchers.’ She nodded. ‘The best.’

Someone shouted Gaby’s name and she rose. ‘Better go. Just off to run over a few things. I’ll see you on set!’ And with that, she swept off leaving Clare even more nervous than before.

Just after ten fifteen she was taken off to the make-up room. A man of about thirty sat her down in front of a brightly lit mirror and scrutinised her from behind.

‘I don’t want too much,’ Clare said.

‘Don’t worry, love. We won’t go full panto on you.’