Hi, I waved to her as I arrived. Gem and I had been friends since we were children – she was the only deaf person in her family, and I was the only hearing one in mine, and opposites seemed to attract. We were inseparable as kids, and we had supported each other through some of the worst times in adulthood as well.

We drank and chatted for a couple of hours before we had enough cocktails inside us for Gem to suggest we dance. I’m as coordinated as a newborn giraffe, but I joined her for a couple of tunes anyway. It felt good to shake off my cares for a few hours and not worry about clients or the police or how my sister was getting on.

After about fifteen minutes of dancing, I wound my way over to the bar for a glass of water. I was hot and sweaty, unaccustomed to this sort of environment. I downed the water then turned to see Gem standing behind me with her hands on her hips.

Water? Lightweight, she teased. Come on, more cocktails.

She didn’t listen to my protests and gave me her order, pushing me forwards to the bar. Once I’d been served I saw she’d found a table and claimed it, so I wove through the crowd to join her.

It’s good to see you out enjoying yourself, she said with a grin. Was Max okay with you coming out?

I raised an eyebrow at her. Still checking up on me?

You know I always will.

I sighed. Yes, and I didn’t ask his permission, I told him I was coming out with you tonight so I could see him another night. And he was perfectly fine with that. He’s probably out with his own friends tonight.

She squeezed my hand briefly. Sorry for nagging, but after Mike I worry about you. A few days before you met Max you were insisting you had no interest in a relationship, and then suddenly you were dating some bloke you met during a murder investigation. You can’t blame me for keeping an eye on you and how you’re doing.

I understand, Gem, of course I do. And what sort of friend would you be if you didn’t do things like that? God knows where I’d be if you hadn’t seen Mike for what he really was. I might still be in that same situation. I’ll always be grateful for the way you cleared the flat before I got out of hospital, and for the support you gave me to put the pieces of myself back together afterwards.

She shook her head. No, you wouldn’t still be there. You would have realised eventually, without us constantly pushing you to get out.

I nodded, deep in thought.

What? she asked.

I’ve seen him again recently. Mike.

What? He’s got back in touch?