He raises his eyebrows, surprised. ‘Yes, I heard that too.’ He frowns. ‘I’m trying to remember who told me. Selena, I think. You know, the woman upstairs.’ He jabs his finger at the ceiling where there is still the sound of heavy hammering.

Marina shifts in her seat. ‘Do you know the details – of the baby, I mean?’

He shakes his head. ‘Not really. You should talk to Selena, or you could go to the library or something, go through the newspaper archives.’

‘That’s a good idea.’ She sips her wine, slowly. ‘I’ve been thinking about tracking down some of the tenants who lived in the house at the time. I think there’s only Eva still here.’

He looks at her, surprised. ‘You’ve already started researching?’

‘Only a bit,’ she replies hastily.

‘Well, what year did it happen?’

‘I think . . . early sixties.’ She keeps her voice vague.

‘In that case, I doubt Eva would have much to say. She’d be too young.’

‘Yes, but she might remember what people said.’

‘Well, if you’re serious, I could ask if she would speak to you.’

Marina’s heart beats harder. She moistens her lips. ‘Would you?’

‘I can’t promise she’ll say yes. Like I told you, she’s a bit . . .’ – he makes a wry face – ‘. . . unsociable.’

He drinks the rest of his wine. The hammering stops and drilling begins.

‘In the meantime,’ Ron says, holding out his empty glass to be filled. ‘I think you should complain.’

Later, after Ron has gone, Marina knocks on the door of Flat 4. The noise inside is so loud, it takes a while before Selena answers, but when she does, with the baby in its sling on her chest, she’s beaming. She must have a permanent smile etched on her face. It’s infectious. Marina grins stupidly back.

‘I’m so sorry.’ Selena gestures to the drilling behind her and then runs her fingers through her hair, which has changed from purple to green. ‘I’ll tell Pete – that’s our decorator – to keep down the noise.’

‘It’s not a problem,’ Marina replies, almost guiltily, before politely mentioning the damaged ceiling. ‘I just thought you should know.’

‘Oh God. Sorry. I’ll ask Pete to do something about it. In the meantime, do you fancy a cup of tea?’

Marina hesitates, but curiosity takes hold and she agrees.

Selena disappears to find Pete and the drilling stops. They go into the kitchen. It is the same narrow shape as Marina’s, only the table and worktops are covered with baby paraphernalia – teething toys, dummies, bibs – alongside unwashed mugs and breakfast bowls.

Selena looks ruefully at the clutter and shifts the baby higher on her chest.

‘Shall I make the tea?’ Marina offers.

‘No, it’s fine. Maybe you could have Lottie?’