Kate sipped her drink and bit into her sandwich again. What Caitlin said made sense, she admitted that, but she was worried all the same. If her association was common knowledge . . .

‘Look, Kenny, can I ask you something?’

Caitlin took a deep draught of his Guinness and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

‘Ask away.’

‘What’s being said about me and Kelly? I really want to know.’

‘What do you think? “Kate Burrows is having it off with a villain.” The usual.’ He watched Kate turn white and could have kicked himself.

‘That was a joke, Katie, a bad joke I admit, but a joke all the same. What’s really being said is this. Kate Burrows has been seeing Pat Kelly. Oh, Pat Kelly says the other person, isn’t he the one with the repo business? Yes, that’s him, says the first person. Lucky old Kelly is the general opinion. Christ, girl, most of the senior men have tried to get into your knickers at some time or another, that’s common knowledge. That you’re a respectable woman and a bloody good DI is also common knowledge. You’re making more of this than anyone. Until Kelly is convicted of something, you’re as safe as houses and let’s face it, Katie, he’s not liable to get caught out now is he? Everything he does is more or less above board. Why don’t you relax? You’re too hard on yourself.’

‘I’ve fought tooth and nail to get where I am today, Kenny. You don’t know the struggle it’s been.’

‘I don’t, no. But, if you’re as worried as you say then all you have to do is stop seeing him. Meself I think you’d be a fool. They used to call you the Mother Theresa of Enfield when we worked together before. You’re doing nothing wrong, child. Has he ever compromised you?’

‘No.’

‘Has he ever asked you anything he shouldn’t, like?’

‘NO!’

‘Then why all the drama and fuss? Jesus Christ, you women make your own crosses you know. And believe me it’s a long old journey when you have to carry it. I know. Personally, I like Kelly. He’s an astute businessman, a good friend, I should think and he’s one handsome fucker. You do what you’ve got to do with him. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your work, who cares? They’ll be gossiping about someone else next week.’

Kate saw the sense in what Caitlin was saying. He was right. She wasn’t doing anything wrong. And if Flowers hadn’t said anything then there was obviously no problem.

She wanted to believe it. She had to believe it.

‘You’re right. I’m worrying about nothing.’

She picked up her glass and drained it.

Caitlin laughed softly and rose to get her another.

‘That’s the way to do it, girl.’