The tearstains on Oli’s cheeks burn in the cool air, and the blue and red lights of an incoming ambulance hit the back of her eyeballs. She rushes to keep up with Rusty’s long strides as they cross over a narrow road and a garden bed, entering the hospital car park.

‘Get in.’ He gestures to a dark sedan, and she does as she’s told. ‘Want water?’ He hands her a bottle from the console, and she takes a few sips.

‘I can’t believe this,’ she says. It feels like the longer she has known about Cooper being dead, the more unlikely it seems.

‘Oli.’ Rusty takes her hand. Her ring sparkles outrageously in the yellow glare of the streetlights.

She tries to separate herself from the story. Cooper needs her help, now more than ever. ‘Tell me what happened.’

‘We’re not exactly sure yet. It got called in just as I was clocking off, but I went along for back up. We didn’t know if it was a street fight or an attack, but when we got there it was just him. Someone stabbed him and ran, Ol. I knew he wasn’t in good shape, but I thought he might pull through. I’m really sorry.’

Oli tries to block out the image of a blade cutting through Cooper’s skinny body. He never stood a chance. She grips the edge of the car seat with her other hand. Squeezes her eyes shut. ‘I don’t understand. Was he mugged?’

Rusty grimaces. ‘Maybe. His phone and wallet are gone.’

Oli’s galloping thoughts come to a halt. ‘How did you know it was him?’

‘He had some business cards in his jacket pocket. That’s when I realised I’d met him with you up in Crystalbrook.’

‘Oh.’ Oli has a vision of Cooper whipping out his business card to give to Rusty, an earnest look on his face.

‘He was on his bike. We’re not quite sure whether he stopped for some reason or someone attacked him while he was riding.’

Oli’s throat feels like it’s closing over. ‘God, Rusty. He was just a kid.’

Rusty turns to face her. ‘When did you last see him?’

‘Yesterday. We had a late lunch in the city.’ Her voice is so low, it’s almost a hum. ‘And we spoke earlier today. I tried to call him this afternoon, but he never got back to me. We were supposed to meet at the office.’ She buries her face in her hands. ‘I really can’t believe this.’

‘This is not your fault, Oli, you know that.’

She just shakes her head. The emptiness is taking hold, the utter hopelessness that sinks in when reality is unavoidable.

‘I listened to your podcast.’ Rusty watches an ambulance fly past. Oli wipes her face even though tears are still streaming out. ‘You did?’