‘Sounded more serious than that though, Lou. And it got me thinking. I met you at that Millennium party, and you’d been a mess that night. Emotionally, I mean. You’d even told me you shouldn’t be at the party, that you were meant to be somewhere else. I don’t think I ever asked you where that was.’

‘I don’t even remember, but it wouldn’t have been to do with Oliver. He left me, Brian – moved away in ninety-seven, two years before I even met you.’

‘I suppose.’ He looked thoughtful for a moment before continuing. ‘But, he told me that it was you who made him go. He said his hand was forced; he had no choice because of what you’d done—’

‘Oh, for Christ’s sake – what? What was I meant to have done? Did he bloody tell you? Because I’m fucked if I know what he’s talking about!’

‘Okay, calm down, Lou.’ Brian’s hands flew to his temples, as if to protect his aching head from the pitch of her voice.

‘Sure you don’t want to call me Lou-Lou, like you did last night?’ She glared at him.

‘Sorry,’ he said, rubbing his hands over his face. ‘I remember that now you’ve said it. I guess Oliver talking about how much in love you were, how you were always desperate for sex—’

‘Really? That’s the way he said it? Lovely.’

‘Point is, I got jealous. He seems such a nice bloke, and good-looking. Fit, as you’d say – so I felt a bit aggrieved, and with drink involved, well, you know how it is. Paranoia is heightened.’

Louisa did know. And yes, paranoia was a terrible thing. She’d had a whole week of feeling that way and couldn’t see the end in sight.

‘Brian. Oliver is my past. You are my now, my future. But really, you don’t even need to put yourself in that position – you don’t have to be pals with Oliver. And you shouldn’t be if it’s going to affect our marriage.’

‘I’m fine about it, really, just shocked me a bit. I know we’re fine – just because I felt a bit jealous, doesn’t mean I’m insecure, exactly. Anyway, it’s clear to see how much he loves Melissa, so I don’t think he’s planning on stealing you from me.’ He attempted a laugh. ‘But seriously, the bloke’s in bits about her. It’s horrible to witness.’

Louisa was glad the conversation was steering away from her. ‘Does he really have no idea where she might be, what happened to her? It seems strange to me.’

‘I think Oliver’s exhausted all the places she would usually go to. He has several theories, none of them resulting in Melissa being found dead. So, I think that’s reassuring, don’t you?’

‘Maybe he’s lying to himself.’