I couldn’t help but smile at him. I do see what you mean, yes. It’s very sweet. I reached over and squeezed his hand. Okay, let’s go. But then you’re buying me lunch after.

He gave me a grin and started the car. As he drove I tried not to think about the case, but every time I forced my mind onto other topics it kept drifting back there again.

The car park was busier than I had expected, given that it was still bitterly cold with some snow on the ground, but we found a space and layered up with hats and coats. I deliberately guided Max away from the house and towards the opposite end of the park, steering clear of the cabins and where we had found Steve’s body. I was happy enough to test his theory about making positive memories, but I didn’t want to push it too far.

I slipped my hand into his and enjoyed the warmth of his skin on mine. He gripped my hand, not too tightly, but just enough for me to know I was safe with him. We walked like this for a few minutes, along a little path through the woods and round towards the pond, which was half-frozen. Stopping, he pulled me closer and kissed me.

Pulling away a few seconds later, he laid a hand on my cheek. How am I doing? Got some positive feelings yet?

I giggled – I couldn’t help it – and kissed him again. We carried on walking, following a circular route, and soon the mansion house loomed ahead of us.

Maybe we could go round to the deer park? I suggested. Sometimes you can see them feeding the deer in the run-up to Christmas.

Max agreed and we set off that way, but then I paused. A familiar figure was walking in our direction: Sasha Thomas.

Hi, I signed to her, waving to attract her attention. She’d been lost in her own thoughts, staring at the ground as she walked, and seemed taken aback when I stopped her.

Paige? What are you doing here?

I introduced her to Max and explained his theory about doing something positive. She nodded then looked back in the direction she’d come from.

I wasn’t doing that, unfortunately, she told me. I can’t stop thinking about Leon, and Steve.

Glancing at Max, I hoped he would take the hint and leave me to talk to Sasha for a minute. He understood and made an excuse about going to look at the house, leaving us alone on the path.

Do you want a coffee? I suggested, pointing towards the cafe.

She looked reluctant, but eventually nodded. It wasn’t until we were sitting opposite each other, warming our hands on hot mugs, that she even looked at me.