It was Christmas Eve and Josie was busy wrapping presents and making mince pies at home, ready for the big day tomorrow. Ted was with her and would spend the night with them. It was as if Kelly’s life had come full circle. She had a family who loved her and waited at home, in the warmth, by the fire, for her return. Johnny would spend Christmas with them too. When she’d moved back to the Lakes six years ago, she’d had no idea that this was where she would end up. This was her home now. London was not only geographically a world away, it was also behind her in terms of what she wanted. She’d come back in a kind of personal resignation of hope, and to hide from the life she’d created there. This new one took her by surprise.

Kelly parked her car and got out, looking over at the lake, which was serenely calm. The steamers had yet to start up, and there would only be a couple today, allowing the staff to get home early to their families for the festivities. In fact, the lake looked empty. It was perfect. The southernmost point of the great lake was tucked inside a curve that was overlooked by Place Fell, and she tried to remember the happy times she’d spent up there chasing her breath, rather than suspects. She knew that just because it was Christmas Eve, crime wouldn’t suddenly halt and allow good will to all men, women and children. No. She knew better than that. It was a habit of hers that she saw potential in all hidden corners to harbour darkness, but she concentrated on her day off and pushed the thoughts aside. There’d be plenty of time for that when she returned to work.

Johnny waved at her and pointed over to the jetty. She got a bag out of the car and went to him. She’d packed a flask of hot soup, some cheese and biscuits and a favourite bottle of red wine. The Wendy was stocked with everything else they’d need, including blankets should the sky turn grey. There was no other place that Kelly could think of that presented all four seasons in just one day so brazenly.

He held her hand as she walked across the gangway he’d put out for her.

‘I feel like royalty,’ she said. ‘Should I be offended that you think I need this?’

He laughed. ‘I just wanted you to be comfortable. I know you don’t need it. Besides, you’re getting old, Kel, I don’t want you falling in.’

She went to hit him playfully and lost her balance.

‘See!’ he said, smirking.