‘Absolutely, as soon as you like. Our records are brief, basic identification information, together with a couple of lines’ summary from the counsellor. Also, walk-ins aren’t obliged to give any information at all. Some fill in the form with false information. Obviously, our priority is simply to see anyone who needs to talk. I guess it’s like emergency medicine. Filling in forms is the least important part of the process. It’s an odd fact in today’s society that both feeling suicidal and asking for help to prevent suicide can be viewed as rather embarrassing or abnormal. It’s one of the reasons we find it so difficult to reach the people who need us.’

‘I understand. In that case, perhaps we could also bring photos of all three of the deceased to show staff members, see if anyone recalls any contact with them, in addition to those you’ve reported. Would that be all right?’

‘That sounds sensible,’ Maclure said. ‘We have a fairly hefty rota, as some of our counsellors do home visits or are on call to hospitals and prisons, so we travel widely. I’ll provide you with a complete staff list. That way your officers can get round to everyone more promptly.’

‘I appreciate that. You’ve been very helpful, Mr Maclure.’

‘Rune, please,’ he reminded her. ‘And forgive me for taking advantage of the most ghoulish of circumstances, but the offer of coffee or tea – or something stronger – is still on the table, so to speak. I’m hoping that even during a case this serious you still have to leave the police station once in a while.’

‘Actually, it’s difficult right now,’ Ava sighed. ‘My time’s not really my own mid-investigation.’

Maclure smiled. ‘And the look on your face is telling me that being asked out on a date isn’t what you need right now, case or no case.’

‘You should have chosen a career in the police with powers of observation like that,’ Ava replied gently, managing a half-smile.

‘Oh no, I talk people out of acts of violence. Can’t stand the sight of blood myself, but I’m in awe of people like you who do what’s necessary. It must entail sacrifices the rest of us simply cannot comprehend,’ he said, standing. ‘At least give me permission to ask you out again, in a couple of months’ time, when hopefully things are simpler. Early summer, maybe? Things always seem brighter when the sun shows herself.’

‘How do you know you’ll still want to go for coffee with me by then?’ Ava asked honestly, no flirtation, no agenda. She was all played out of games.

‘Because all good things take patience,’ Maclure said. ‘I’m old enough at least to be able to recognise those things when they cross my path.’

Ava nodded. ‘No promises,’ she said. ‘But you can ask me.’