Still reeling from the events of the night before, it took me a while to work out that it was Saturday morning, the day I’d normally head into Glendara to pick up the newspapers. But looking out at the streaming rain, it seemed more appealing to stay put. Plus, I had no car – the Mini was in town where I’d left it the night before. So, I lit the fire and made a pot of coffee instead.

I’d just finished my first mug and was back in the kitchen seeking a second when I heard a key turn in the front door. It gave me a jolt, until I remembered it must be Marina. She was due to leave today and go back to Sligo.

She appeared in the doorway of the kitchen pulling off her waterproof jacket, her face tense. “Morning.”

‘Morning,’ I replied. ‘Another beautiful day in Inishowen.”

She smiled tightly. “It’s a bit damp all right.”

“Coffee?” I offered, indicating the pot.

She looked relieved. “Yes please.”

I poured her a cup and she took a seat at the table while I stood at the sink to make another pot. In my peripheral vision I saw Guinness make his way over to her and she leaned down to rub his head. The silence between us seemed strained. Was she expecting me to be upset with her for staying out overnight?

I put the kettle on to boil and turned. “I presume if you stayed at Harry’s, you know what happened last night?”

She looked up, surprised and then sheepish. “Yes, yes I do. I’m sorry. I should have told you I was seeing him. He said you wouldn’t care but I felt a bit strange about it, when you used to go out with him. I mean there I was, working in your office, staying in your house and …”

“And making friends with my cat.” I smiled. Guinness was rubbing himself enthusiastically against her shins. “Honestly, don’t worry about it. There was never anything serious between me and Harry – it was only ever a bit of fun. If you like each other I’m pleased, for both of you.”

She breathed out, tension leaching out of her face. “I do like him, a lot.” She frowned again. “He was very shaken up when he came back earlier.”

“I’ll bet – it was pretty shocking. Poor Maeve got the brunt of it, of course. You heard the poor man fell on her jeep?”

Marina nodded. “Harry said he thought there was something strange about it, but he wouldn’t tell me what it was.”

“About how he died?” I asked.

“I think so.” She shrugged. “Although when I asked, he said that was a matter for the post-mortem and that it was up to the guards to release information when they’re ready.”