‘He found out Robbie was stealing from the foundation. He’d been doing it for years, apparently. Adam confronted him and told him he had to step down immediately.’

‘He didn’t go to the police?’

Clodagh shook her head, relieved when her phone started ringing and she had an excuse to stop answering Rachel’s questions. Seeing Bella’s name on the screen, she diverted the call. But when it started ringing again a few seconds later, she excused herself and went outside the canteen to take the call.

‘I’m so sorry about earlier,’ Bella said. ‘I don’t know what got into me, Clodagh. I’ve spent the last hour trying to pluck up the courage to call you. I don’t want to hassle you, but I need to know you’re okay?’

‘I am now.’

‘What do you mean?’ Bella said. ‘Has something happened?’

‘You could say that. Listen Bella, I can’t say too much. I’m with Rachel Lewis, right now. It was Adam.’

‘What was Adam?’

‘All of it. He’s the killer. He’s disappeared, but the police are looking for him. They’ll find him too. He can’t hide for ever. In the meantime, I’m going to go back to Ivan’s and get some rest.’

‘You can’t do that. Ivan’s house is the first place Adam will go looking for you.’

Clodagh opened her eyes, scanning the hospital corridor, suddenly afraid Adam was going to appear. Bella was right. Adam had gone straight to Ivan’s house this morning. There was nothing stopping him doing the same thing again.

‘You can stay with us,’ Bella said. ‘There’s a sofa bed in the sitting room.’

‘That’s kind,’ Clodagh said. ‘But I don’t want to put you out. I can easily book into a hotel.’

The truth was, she couldn’t bear the idea of staying with them, having to fend off Simon’s questions all evening.

‘There’s no need for that,’ Bella said. ‘Seriously. You can come over right away.’

‘No.’ Clodagh spoke more sharply than she intended. ‘Sorry. I really appreciate your kindness, Bella. But I need to be by myself tonight.’

There was silence at the other end and Clodagh thought, at first, she’d managed to offend Bella yet again.

‘I understand,’ Bella said. ‘It’s just that you’ve been such a good friend to me. I want to be there for you too. How about this? Why don’t you book a hotel in Brighton and we can meet up tomorrow? That way, I can check for myself that you’re really okay.’

‘That sounds perfect,’ Clodagh said, relieved. ‘Thank you.’

‘Try the Lancaster,’ Bella said. ‘It’s meant to be really lovely. Good value for money too. Although I know that’s not an issue for you.’

‘It will be from now on. I’ll call them right away.’