‘Theories on why the killer targets men as well as women? Don’t they normally stick to one or the other?’

‘Normally, yes. But not always.’

‘Any thoughts on why this one’s different?’

‘Possibly,’ Nadia said. ‘But I can’t talk right now. Could I call you later?’

‘Five more minutes?’

‘Really. I have to go. I’m free at 5.30? Call me if you can.’

‘OK. Talk then. Thanks.’

She hung up. Possibly, Nadia had said. It sounded like she had more to share.

Tom

They met at their local, the London Bridge, and the quick pint turned into a quick two pints, or, in Tom’s case, a pint and a half.

Scott went to the toilet when they were making their way through the second beer and Tom felt his eyes start to close. When Scott returned, he realized he could hardly focus.

‘I think I’m going to fall asleep,’ he muttered. ‘My eyelids feel like someone’s pulling them down.’

He let his head fall to his chest and closed his eyes. It was bizarre how blissful it was to simply have his eyes closed.

He forced them open. Sleeping in the pub was not a look he wanted.

‘Man, it really is bad,’ Scott said. He took out his phone. ‘Close your eyes and let your head drop again. Let me take a snap to show Karen. I’ll tell her she could end up married to a man who looks like this.’

‘She’s already married to one,’ Tom said. ‘After you’ve had a few pints.’

‘Not too tired to be funny,’ Scott said. ‘Funny-ish, at any rate.’

‘It was a good one for me,’ Tom said.

‘I wouldn’t go that far.’

Tom pushed his drink across the table. ‘You have that. I’m going to have to go.’

‘Finish your pint? What do you think this is? 2019? No one wants a pint of coronavirus, mate.’

‘No,’ Tom said. ‘I guess not.’ His brain was shutting down and he was starting to worry about the drive home, even though it was no more than three minutes. ‘Got to go. See you tomorrow. And thanks for getting me out. I might not be much fun, but I needed this.’

‘Any time,’ Scott said. ‘And I hope you get some kip.’

Alice

Where the hell was Tom? It was 5.45 and he wasn’t home. She bounced Jo in one arm, and called him again.

It rang through to voicemail.

This was totally unfair. He was supposed to be home by now, and she had made plans to call Nadia. It wasn’t like it was just another call; it was important. It was her career.

And he hadn’t bothered to phone home and tell her, let alone answer her fucking calls.

She put Jo in her basket. Maybe she would settle so she could speak to Nadia.