Vanessa, who was attached to Tom like lichen to a stone wall, nodded. ‘Mercedes’ granddaughter, Paige, works for us. She’s a smashing girl.’

‘Are you allowed to come for a drink?’ asked Tess. ‘Or does government business call?’

‘We-ell—’ started Tom.

‘It’d be rude not to pop up to Pilkington’s for a quick bite,’ said Vanessa. ‘You don’t have any official engagements this afternoon.’

‘Maybe I can set aside the challenging task of providing broadband to needy rural communities for an hour or so.’

‘Spoken like a pro,’ said Tess. ‘Anyway, aren’t they as well off without too much internet? Growing up with just the two TV channels never did us any harm.’

Vanessa sent a puzzled look in her direction.

‘She’s joking,’ said Tom.

His wife smiled, as if she’d known that all along. ‘Did you hear that Tom might be on the move?’

‘So Mam told me,’ said Tess. ‘All joking apart, well done, Tommo. Minister for justice, no less.’

‘Ah, now,’ he replied, ‘it’s only speculation. It might never happen.’

‘If it does, you’ll want to stay on my good side. Otherwise, I might have to tell the papers about all the laws we broke in our youth.’

‘What? Oh, very funny. I’d say they’d be fascinated by the news that I once stole a Twix from Mangan’s. Not to mention that I went an entire winter without a light on my Chopper.’

Around them, the huddles were starting to disperse. People were drifting towards the function room in Pilkington’s where refreshments were being served. As they walked, the atmosphere grew lighter. Affectionate memories were exchanged. Plumes of breath rose into the air as friends told stories about Mercedes.

‘If you do become minister for justice, it’ll be a big deal, won’t it?’ said Tess. ‘Like, you’ll have to handle some heavy-duty stuff, including the gangsters who shot Conor?’

‘Don’t remind me. I’m not sure I want the stress.’

‘Come off it,’ she replied. ‘I bet you’ll love every second of it.’

Almost as soon as Tess had voiced the words, it occurred to her that he might be telling the truth. Vanessa must also have sensed this because she quickly changed the subject.

‘Will you be back for Christmas, Tess?’ she asked.

‘I won’t, I’m afraid. We’re going to St Barths.’ Aware that this must sound horribly flash, she raised her palms to the sky. ‘I know, I know. There’s something wrong about spending Christmas in the sun. But Miles likes to get away at this time of year. Daisy’s excited too. Will you get a break yourselves?’

‘Vanessa doesn’t approve of leaving the country,’ said Tom.