‘Sorry, who is Cooper Ng?’ Oli says, just as TJ says, ‘We’re doing a podcast?’

‘Yes.’ Dawn snorts. ‘We’re “diversifying our revenue streams”, which may or may not be code for turning us into a radio station.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘Anyway, the kid is on level three with the digital team. Kylie tells me he’s not a bad interviewer. Clearly the bar is getting lower and lower these days, but based on my conversation with him this morning I can confirm he has the gift of the gab, so maybe she’s right.’

Oli has no idea who Cooper Ng is—there are lots of new faces upstairs, and she generally tries to avoid the digital department. But whoever he is, she’s not happy about having to make small talk on a long car trip with some stranger. ‘Can’t I take Knowles?’

‘Nope, he’s on the trial,’ Dawn says. ‘Just get moving, Oli, I want something meaty online before the 6 pm news, and I want to run a secondary story online later as well, which we can push hard in print tomorrow. So get whatever you can. See if the cops will talk and if any locals knew her. TJ’s obviously tied up with O’Brien, but Pia can do some background on the property for you and stay across the police reports and news coverage.’

Oli stands up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She hesitates before saying, ‘You know I covered the Housemate Homicide back then, when I was at The Daily?’

Dawn gives her a strange look. ‘Yes, that’s why I want you on it now.’

TJ is waiting for her outside the bathroom. ‘Bloody good story,’ he remarks.

‘Sure is.’

He frowns. ‘You okay?’

She nods. She and TJ have seen it all over the years: bosses have come and gone, they’ve moved papers and offices, they’ve navigated new media laws and the seemingly never-ending digital transformation. Both landed in crime early. TJ joined The Daily around two years before Oli, and she’s been playing catch up ever since. Back then he was still Timothy Jack, a charming young man who tried, but regularly failed, to check his privilege. The silver spoon has left a permanent dint in his mouth, but at least he’s aware of it. Despite their differences and inevitable competitiveness, they’ve always been firm friends, though Oli wonders if that’s just because he has never seen her as a real threat.

Three years ago, Dawn promoted Oli to a senior role alongside TJ when the legendary Martin Boon retired. TJ still tends to get the bigger stories, but there are generally enough to go around. Oli has the sense that he enjoys their gentle rivalry; it keeps him on his toes without giving him a serious run for his money.

Her phone starts ringing: Dean. She switches it to silent.

TJ’s gaze is unrelenting.