‘I brought you a glass of wine and a cigarette, that’s all, Kate. Don’t worry, I’m not going to rape you.’ Dan’s voice was normal and she felt a fool. He placed a glass of wine in her hand and, wiping her free hand on a towel, as if she was a child, he gave her the lit cigarette.

‘You looked done in so I thought I’d try and help you relax.’

Kate settled back in the water, glad now of the concealing bubbles. Dan sat on the toilet seat and laughed.

‘I don’t know why you’re going all modest. I do know what you look like undressed, remember.’

‘What are the others doing?’ She was having difficulty keeping her voice light.

‘They’re watching James Bond, my dear. I taped it for them last night. How’s the case going?’

His voice was conversational and friendly. Kate was taken back, over the years, to when they had bathed together. When it had been good between them, before Lizzy had been born.

‘Not very well, actually. We haven’t even got a suspect.’

‘I admire you, you know, Kate. The way you’ve built yourself a career.’

‘It’s called working, Dan, you should try it some time.’

He smiled, showing his perfect teeth.

‘Put the claws away, Kate. I know what you think of me but I’ve changed, you know. I realised a long time ago that I needed to grow up, and believe me when I say I’m working on it.’

Kate took a gulp of the wine and a long draw on her cigarette. This close, Dan made her feel uncomfortable. He slipped to the floor and knelt by the side of the bath.

‘What are you doing?’ Kate’s voice was suspicious. Her hands were full and she didn’t trust Danny Burrows one bit.

‘I’m not doing anything. I was just going to wash your back, that’s all.’

‘I don’t want my back washed, thank you very much. Now if you don’t mind, Dan, I want to get out.’

She sat up again in the water, looking around for somewhere to dump the cigarette and wine. Dan took them from her.

‘Look, Kate, all I’m trying to do is make myself useful, that’s all. While I’m here . . .’

She didn’t let him finish. ‘While you’re here, Dan, I’d appreciate it if you left me alone. We don’t lock doors in this house and I’d hate to have to start now.’

‘Can’t you even try and be friendly?’