‘I don’t think that’s necessary,’ said Belinda Turner. ‘Look, it’s clear that you know what you’re doing, and honestly, I’ve been asked to rate kitchens that aren’t a patch on yours for cleanliness and organization. You’re clearly conscientious enough to keep your own rigorous checks. But here’s the thing. That sink really needs replacing. It’s badly cracked and even though I can see you’re fastidious about keeping it bleached clean, that’s still something that prevents me, in all conscience, from giving you the highest rating. You know as well as I do that you should have two washing areas – one for food, one for utensils.’

‘Yes,’ Anna said, ‘that’s why I’ve got the washing-up bowl, so that I can keep them separate.’

‘I understand that, Ms Campbell, and ordinarily I would accept that as a solution. But with the sink beneath as it is…’

‘That’s not a total strike out for a rating though, surely?’ Anna asked.

‘No, it’s not,’ Turner agreed. ‘It’d take you down to a four instead of the full rating of five. But I do think you should consider replacing the sink before you start this lunch club. With that, I’d be happy to give you the highest rating. You could operate with a four, you know that. However, I’d strongly advise you not to give whoever is out to meddle any further opportunity to make trouble.’

Anna’s heart sank. ‘Right.’

‘I want to help you, I really do. And frankly, I don’t like people who are out to stir up trouble.’ She dug into her bag and pulled out a card. ‘Think about it. If you decide to make the changes I’ve recommended, call me. I’ll be out the same day if I can. But for now…’

Anna nodded. ‘I understand.’

Belinda Turner shrugged. ‘As for today – you could ask your friends at the Weaver’s Nook if you can serve from their kitchen. I did the rating for their B&B myself, I know it’s up to scratch.’

‘That’s a good thought. Thanks.’

The two women said their goodbyes. As the inspector walked away, the front door of the Weaver’s Nook opened and Pat and Frank appeared on the doorstep of the tradesman’s entrance.

‘We know her!’ Pat said in a stage whisper. ‘She’s the health and safety woman! What was she doing here?’

Anna turned to look at the door of the Fishergirl’s Luck, on which was pinned Cathy’s beautiful poster for the lunch club. She reached out and took it down. ‘Telling me I can’t serve today.’

‘What?’ Frank said. ‘But why—’

‘Someone reported me for running an illegal restaurant.’

‘No,’ Pat said, appalled. ‘Who would do that?’

‘Do you really need to ask?’