Will stared out of the kitchen window, reliving his relief when the judge sentenced Billie Briars to twelve years. At least he hadn’t been taken in by the amateur dramatics, and even Billie couldn’t sweet-talk away the forensic evidence that had piled up against him. Little bastard. It should have been life. Will shivered. There were times when he was glad to be out of the force.

But here he was, off out on obo again. He grinned to himself and shook his head. He hadn’t told Kate yet, but he had a feeling she wouldn’t mind one way or the other. She might even use his absence to sneak back into her studio.

Actually, things had been better this evening, Kate’s mood had remained quite stable. When it was like this, he dared to hope that maybe they were weathering the storm and soon . . . soon he’d have his Kate back again.

His mind wandered to Sophie. She had phoned him the day before, and they had talked for nearly an hour. He couldn’t quite believe how easily he chatted with the child. It felt like he was back with his little sister. Even Kate commented on it, albeit somewhat sardonically. The Fauves were pleased that Sophie was settling in, although Philip was worried about going back to Germany and wondered how the little girl would handle the disruption. He was to go for a year, and his family were able to accompany him. ‘It’s a tough decision, Will,’ he said unhappily. ‘I can leave them at home, but a year apart from your kids is a hell of a long time when they’re growing up. But how can I take that poor kid back to the very place where her mum and dad were killed? What do I do?’

Will had no answer to give him. After some thought, he suggested that they ask Sophie what she would like to do.

Will worried about his niece. Strange, because he’d had little to do with her while her parents were alive. Now, she had become dear to him and he wanted her to be part of his life. He had no idea how he could make that happen.

He tidied up the kitchen and found that he was quite looking forward to keeping cave at Little Anchor. He went upstairs to set his alarm clock, took a deep breath and went to find Kate and tell her.

* * *

Liz had taken the early shift. Her three hours had been uneventful. The last hour dragged, and the warm night had her fighting to keep her eyes open.

She was pleased to see Matt’s large frame slipping through the summerhouse door.