Ross stirred a sachet of sugar into his espresso and leant over the table. ‘I just don’t get it. I mean, why? Why the hell would he leave you? And, Christ, how’s that cute boy of yours taking it?’

‘Jamie was pretty gutted. We’re living at my mum and dad’s house now in Dundee. He seems to like it there, great mates with the boy next door.’

Ross shook his head. ‘D’you know, I did wonder why I’d not heard a thing, after Mum… But I wasn’t in contact with anyone while I was away. So where d’you reckon he’s gone?’

Fiona shrugged. ‘I presume back to his folks in Australia, but how would I know? Heard nothing and not likely to. The hotel staff were all livid, had to promote Tom the sous chef too soon – and Pete had just had a brilliant review.’

‘Of course, I saw that, I remember thinking I must get in touch, then there was the accident and…’

‘Did you have his folks’ contact details in Melbourne, Ross?’

‘Melbourne? He was from Tassie, Fi.’

Fiona looked up at Ross over her coffee cup. ‘He told me he was from Melbourne and his parents lived there.’

‘He had a Tassie accent, they speak differently down in Hobart. He used to take the piss out of my northern drawl. And he never spoke about his family.’ Ross took his phone from his pocket and scrolled down. ‘Got his mobile number on my contacts – but you’ve obviously tried that.’

‘Endlessly.’

‘Weird, no email for him. Did he not have one? Surely he’s on Facebook, at least?’

Fiona shook her head and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears.

The door swung open and a girl with spiky turquoise hair came in. She smiled broadly and said hello, revealing a glint of metal on her tongue.

‘Hi, Debs,’ said Ross. ‘Be with you soon.’

There was the hiss of a can opening. Debs stood with her tanned shoulders and broad back to them, tipping her head back as she swigged from the can.

‘Debs used to work the bar when Pete started work here, only came back last year,’ explained Ross. ‘Debs, can you remember anything about Pete? This is his partner, Fi. Seems he’s done a runner.’

Debs swivelled round, her face flushed. ‘No, what happened?’

‘She just woke up one morning and he was gone. A note saying he was off. Passport and everything gone too.’

‘Fucking idiot, always thought there was something…’ Debs stopped when she saw Fi’s expression.