“What? I thought Opportunity Knocks was defunct?”

“Ho, ho! No, I’m going on Crime Night, the police program, and I will be the first female murder officer they’ve ever had on!”

“Oh, great! Finish your dinner, the crab and noodle’s good.”

Jane twirled around, suddenly no longer tired. “I pulled every string I could muster. Mind you, the Chief’s got to give the go-ahead, but he can’t refuse. I mean, to date we’ve got bugger all, but I know this’ll bring us something, I just know it. I’m gonna get that bastard . . .

“When is it?”

“The twenty-second, they need a while to organize the mock-up film, and I’ve got to put together all the evidence we can use . . . Oh, shit! It’s Dad’s birthday!”

“Well, maybe they can have it another day?”

“Don’t be stupid, the program goes out at the same time every week . . .”

Peter threw his fork down. “I didn’t mean the bloody TV program, I meant your Mum could change the party night!”

“Oh, sorry. It’ll be OK, I’ll just have to make a late entrance.”

“I’m not that dumb. Do you want to finish your dinner or not?”

“No, I’m not hungry.”

“Fine, then I’ll clear away.”

He snatched up the tray. As he passed her she put out a hand. “I’m sorry, I guess I’m not hungry.”

“That’s OK, suit yourself, you usually do!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s Saturday night, Jane. I thought that just for one night, just one, you wouldn’t be on the bloody phone!”

She sighed and flopped back on the bed. She was so hyped up about the TV program that she hadn’t given Peter a thought. But by the time he came back into the room she was sitting cross-legged, with that tomboyish grin he liked so much. For a moment he thought it was for him, but then she clapped her hands.

“I am going to nail him, Pete, I know it!”

“I’m going to the pub, see you later.”

When Peter got home she was asleep. He stumbled around the bedroom in the dark, cursing as he stubbed his toe. Past caring if he woke her up, he threw himself into bed and thumped his pillow.

Half-asleep, she rolled towards him and muttered, “I’m sorry, Pete, but I get so tired . . .”

He looked at her shadowy face, then drew her into his arms. “You’re gonna have to start making time for us, Jane, you hear me?”

“Mmmm, yeah, I know . . . and I will.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Yes. I love you, Pete.”