Carole led the way back to the break room. It was empty of people and almost empty of furniture. A few scattered chairs, a vending machine that had a loud buzz, and a drinks machine next to it that vended coffee for twenty-five pence a cup that tasted every bit like coffee that cost twenty-five pence a cup. Richard used to bring his own. He had complained about it so much that Angela had bought him a large flask that she would fill for him before every shift. Now it was the flask that accompanied him to her graveside.

‘Coffee?’ Carole had a shrill voice. It seemed to suit her. She was a shrill individual, short, stout and direct, but then she was management in a male-dominated industry and more than held her own. Richard had seen her tear lorry drivers, employees and mocking labourers to pieces when she needed to. She certainly didn’t suffer fools.

‘Thanks. Extra sugar from there please.’

‘To hide the taste?’ She grinned.

‘Absolutely.’

‘So, what can I do for you?’ The machine clunked and whirred. Carole let it do its thing and pulled a seat so they were at the same table.

‘Do for me? It’s really what I can do for you, actually. I wanted to pop in and let you know that I am ready and raring to come back. Well, ready at least!’ Richard snorted a laugh. He reeled it back into a half-smile as Carole’s dropped away.

‘Oh, I see.’

‘You don’t seem sure? It wasn’t that long ago that we talked about my return. You’ve been wonderful, right from the off, take as long as you need, and that’s been so good for me. I want to start repaying that faith. I’ll work whatever you need. I know you had some ideas about how I could do a few days a week or shortened days, but I really think I can just come back and do what you need.’

‘I did say that.’ Carole’s lips were pursed, her expression dangerously close to someone who was about to offer their sympathies.

‘So here I am,’ Richard added. ‘I can just come back on the same terms, fulltime as it was, and then if I find there’s an issue I can talk to you about it and maybe drop a day. What’s the matter?’ He stopped. Carole’s body language had changed. She held one arm with the other, supporting it so she could rub at a mouth that now formed a slight scowl.

‘Oh goodness, Richard! Nothing is the matter! Here we are, a hard worker back in the building and ready to pick up where they left off! I’m just concerned. Maybe your ears have been burning in fact – we’ve been talking, me, the senior management team and HR. We’re all very worried about you.’