Klara smiles and makes her way across the office, gliding like a swan with the confidence and presence of someone on a much higher pay grade. She bends over to embrace Archer, who gets lost for a moment in the light citrusy tones of her perfume.

Archer steps back and takes stock of her friend. She is wearing a pale grey tweed trouser suit, Oxford boots and a tilted brown fedora. Around her neck is a long striped woollen scarf that falls to her ankles.

‘Stylish as ever. It’s so good to see you,’ says Archer.

‘You too, Grace.’

Archer looks down at the bulging trolley case at Klara’s side. ‘You’ve come equipped, I see.’

‘Of course. You thought Mary Poppins’ carpet bag was impressive. Wait till you see what’s in here. Where am I sitting?’

‘There’s an empty office next to the one with the grimacing pale face peering out at us.’

‘Is that Rodney Hicks?’

‘You know him?’

‘I worked with him for a time before I started going by Klara.’

Quinn joins them. ‘Hello, Klara. DI Archer has been singing your praises. Good to put a face to the name.’ He extends his hand. ‘DS Quinn. Call me Harry, though.’

‘Thank you. Nice to meet you too, Harry.’

‘I like your threads. You have something of the fourth Doctor about you?’

Archer isn’t sure what that means but is relieved when Klara smiles. ‘Thank you. He was my favourite.’

‘Mine too. My son’s was Matt Smith.’

‘Was? Who’s his favourite now?’

Quinn doesn’t reply. Instead, the colour drains from his face.

‘Are you OK?’ asks Archer.

He scratches his forehead. ‘Aye . . . It’s just . . . he . . . he’s no longer with us. It would have been his birthday today.’

Archer is speechless and realises why Quinn didn’t show up for work that morning. She also recalls Mrs Frutkoff’s ‘Poor man’ remark and the happy family photo next to the whisky bottle.

‘I’m so sorry, Harry,’ says Klara.

His shoulders slump. ‘Don’t be . . . I shouldn’t have mentioned it. You know . . . sometimes stuff just comes out of my mouth at the wrong time. I . . .’ He doesn’t finish his sentence but turns, picks up his jacket and leaves the office.

Archer watches him go and is unsure if she should follow and talk to him.

‘Judging by your expression this revelation is news to you.’

Archer nods. ‘I’ve only known him a few days.’

Hicks’s voice interrupts their conversation. ‘Excuse me, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.’ The DI extends his hand to Klara. Archer notices he is holding in his pot belly.

‘Detective Inspector Rodney Hicks. You can call me Rod.’ Hicks holds Klara’s gaze with his own as she takes his hand. ‘I’m sure we’ve met before?’