‘Okay. I need you to borrow Kirsty’s phone. Make up some excuse, like you’ve lost yours and an emergency’s come up. Then I want you to get in your car, leave the pub alone, right now, and drive somewhere as remote as possible, but not too far away from here. If you notice anyone following you, do not react, or stop, or deviate from your course. Just drive, nice and calm.’

‘I have to be back at work in less than half an hour.’

‘It’s an emergency. Be creative.’

‘Why should I do any of this?’

‘Because I’m asking, Grace. It’s vitally important that you take this seriously and do what I say.’

Another long, hesitant pause. Grace plainly didn’t like being told what to do, but she was having to balance that with the reality of her situation. She said, ‘There’s a wooded valley only about ten minutes’ drive from the station. I go jogging there sometimes. You never meet a soul.’

‘Sounds perfect. Call me on this number as you’re getting close.’ Jeff read off the burner number again.

‘Got it.’

‘You’ll be safe,’ he promised her. ‘You won’t see us, but we’ll be there.’

‘Please. You have to tell me what this is about,’ she implored him.

‘I will,’ Jeff said. ‘I swear. Now get going.’

Jeff ended the call and let out a long breath.

Tuesday asked, ‘Think she’ll do it?’

‘She has to, mate.’

And she did.

Three minutes after the call ended, Jeff and Tuesday watched Grace emerge from the pub and walk to her Land Rover. She appeared quite composed despite the quickness in her step, and made no attempt to glance around the car park in search of anyone who might be watching.

‘That’s my girl,’ Jeff said with a smile.

‘Sexist,’ Tuesday said.

‘Give me a break. What are you, a snowflake now?’

Grace got into the Landy and rumbled off in the usual cloud of diesel pollutants. The black Range Rover remained motionless until she’d turned out into the road, then pulled sharply out of the car park after her and followed at a distance, like before. If Grace had noticed it, nothing showed in her driving body language. Jeff waited a few moments, then fired up the Transit and pulled a U-turn in the road to give chase.

‘Not too close,’ Tuesday warned as Jeff accelerated to catch up.

‘I know what I’m doing.’