‘Not really.’

Terence’s tea paused halfway to his lips.

‘What I mean is, I will,’ said Becky. She saw his frown and knew she had to concede a little. ‘There’s a story . . . I’ve been researching it for a while. And there’s another part to the puzzle. I’m finding out tomorrow.’

‘Care to tell me what you know so far?’

She felt frustration creep in. She didn’t. She really wanted to get the full picture, the hidden grenade she knew Adam had. She looked at her boss.

‘I take it that’s a no,’ said Terence. He paused, and she waited, wondering if she was about to get a massive bollocking.

‘I’m fine with a bit of skiving,’ said Terence. ‘All the most resourceful investigative journalists go AWOL from time to time.’ He paused. ‘But don’t do anything stupid.’

Becky looked up, hope in her heart. Was this his way of giving her permission to carry on?

‘And most importantly, know when to speak up.’

She grinned, buoyant. ‘I will. I mean, yes, I know. I’ll be careful.’

Terence frowned, and for a moment, Becky thought he was going to change his mind.

‘I’ll tell you everything on Monday. First thing,’ she promised and shifted forward on the sofa, poised to leave the room.

Terence thought for a moment, watching her, then nodded – the most beautiful sign in the world, thought Becky. The ‘go do it’ nod. She beamed and stood up.

‘Thank you,’ she said, her hand on the door handle, and before he could say another word, she left the room.

Her joy was short-lived. She saw Piers as soon as she stepped out of the office. She walked over to where he was making a tea in the kitchen area.

‘Ellis!’ he said as she approached. ‘So nice to see you.’

‘Really below the belt, Piers. What kind of journalist is a grass?’

He looked puzzled. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘You know exactly what I’m talking about.’

He frowned. ‘You’ve really got to explain this one. Honestly, I’m in the dark.’

She poked a sharp finger into his muscly, white-shirted arm. ‘You’ve been on my case ever since the job ad went out. Sneaking around, following me. Trying to sabotage me. Where do you draw the line, Piers? What lengths will you go to to ensure I don’t get this job? Gonna do my legs in so I can’t even get here?’

He was keeping up the pretence of being bemused, and she shook her head in disgust and turned away. Went back to her desk. She saw him return to his work area and glance over to her every so often. She didn’t want to speak to him, so put on her headphones and opened up her laptop.

Becky soon became engrossed in her work and it was a few rings in before she heard her phone. She paused her music and went to answer it. It was a number she didn’t recognize.