It wasn’t a lie, so he wasn’t sure why he felt as if it was. Probably because it struck him that Graham wasn’t just checking up on him. He was checking up on Ava, too.

‘Should she have?’

‘No, I just lost track of her. Lots going on here. See you tomorrow.’

Callanach rang off. Graham’s voice had been friendly and relaxed, but he was nobody’s fool. Lively’s email had confirmed that Ava wasn’t happy at the moment. She was inevitably having to deal with every update on the Jenson–Western case and each time it was discussed, she’d be reminded what had happened between them. Perhaps it was time they talked. Hopefully by now she’d been able to put what he’d done into context.

He checked his watch. It was mid-afternoon. Right now she’d be in the middle of briefings, and up to her neck in forensics reports and witness statements. Phoning would only make things worse. He texted instead, keeping it light and brief, making sure he didn’t reference work.

Hi, wondering if you have time to get a coffee? No rush but this week would be good.

Luc.

For the hour that followed he checked his phone every few minutes for a response, then forced himself to put it on a shelf. Eventually, he grew so fed up with his own desperation that he turned it off altogether.

Chapter Thirty-Three

17 March

By the time Ava arrived at the Reach You drop-in centre, a perimeter had already been formed around the building. She hoped there was no one inside the building right now getting help who’d be distressed by what they were about to do. Officers stood backs to the walls either side of the front door as she rang the buzzer. Someone buzzed back, presumably looking at a screen inside, judging by the camera, then the door was opened.

‘Police,’ Ava announced, raising her ID into the face of the young woman who was, without a doubt, Vicki Rosach.

‘What the hell?’ she mumbled, more sullen than scared, reaching into her pocket.

‘Don’t move!’ Ava ordered. ‘Raise your hands above your head and turn round.’

Then there were bodies everywhere. Uniformed officers took her to the floor, careful to ensure she was unharmed, even more careful to make sure they didn’t damage her mobile, which Ava had made clear was a priority.

‘I don’t understand,’ Vicki sobbed as she was handcuffed and assisted to stand. ‘What are you doing with my phone?’

The officer who’d removed it from her pocket bagged and labelled it.