‘I’ve found my voice, Tim. For the first time in years – ever, in fact. I’m not the stupid girl from school any more who people pity. I’m listened to.’

If only that Adam would call her back. If only she could speak to him – and then she had a brainwave so obvious, she kicked herself for not thinking of it before.

‘I’ll go to his work,’ she said.

Tim frowned, frustrated by what he saw as another of her impulsive gambits.

‘Adam. I’ll go to his office, wait outside and I’ll catch him sooner or later. I’m going to make him talk to me.’

And that declaration, Kate remembered, had made for a coolish remainder of the night between her and Tim. A light kiss on the lips as they went to bed, and a brief goodnight, before they both turned over and lay back to back.

The thunder clapped again, louder this time. People were exiting via the revolving door at the front of the building, its wheel turning under the green-and-yellow brand logo that they’d all signed up to. Most of them headed to the car park at the side of the building.

A fat drop of rain landed on Kate’s hand. Then another. The anonymous workers were walking faster now, putting up umbrellas and hoods, which would make it harder to spot Adam amongst them.

Splat. Splat. Splat, splat, splat. Kate groaned. Why had she left her umbrella in the staff room? She could see it now, on the table where she’d had a tea break and eaten her pre-packed sandwiches.

The trickle of workers was growing to a steady stream and she had to concentrate, which was hard when the rain was pelting her eyeballs. Then she thought she saw him. He’d come through the door and was taking an umbrella out of its cover. A quick press of a button and it unfurled like a great black crow spreading its wings, shielding his red hair – which had thankfully made him stand out a little.

Kate moved from her position and quickly headed over to him. He was standing outside the building, looking around for someone.

‘Adam!’ she called as she approached.

He turned and then, recognizing her, his face fell.

She stood in front of him, drenched now, and saw him looking to escape. ‘Please, I need to talk to you.’

‘What are you doing here?’ he hissed, stepping away from her.

‘I believe you know something. About what’s going on in there,’ she said, nodding towards the building behind them. People were still leaving and giving her quizzical looks as they hurried to their cars. She must look a sight, standing there, hair plastered to her face, clothes sodden.

‘Please go away,’ Adam said, under his breath, pretending to act as if all was normal, as his colleagues nodded goodnights.

‘No. I won’t.’

He surreptitiously grabbed her arm and pulled her to one side. His outward demeanour was one of normality, but his voice was tense. ‘You’ve no idea what you’re doing,’ he seethed, ‘no idea at all.’