Marsh gives Toffee a pat, scratches his nose, then picks up his phone. ‘I’ll be having a chat with Lorna and their daughters tomorrow morning. But not formally, you understand. The trouble is, Ms Trelawney, we have no evidence that a crime has taken place, so any interviewing or following up has to be fitted in alongside more pressing investigations.’

When he goes, he takes Nick’s computer and laptop with him, loading them into the boot of his car. I wander back up to Nick’s study and gaze at his empty desk. I’m losing more of him by the day.

Later, while I’m in John Lewis looking at flooring for work, I get an email from Nick’s company. In the Subject box it says Re: Absenteeism. It had been sent to Nick, cc’d to me, presumably because they knew there was a good chance it wouldn’t reach him.

23 April 2018

Dear Nick

We regret to inform you that your employment is being terminated, effective from 31 May 2018 unless you return to work with an acceptable reason for your absence by Monday, 30 April. This decision has been reached with great regret.

Upon termination, all benefits associated with this position will cease to be valid. You are requested to return your company car, laptop computer and any other property belonging to the company before 31 May to the Human Resources department. If this is not done, the property will be collected from your address on 1 June 2018.

Please keep in mind that you are bound by our confidentiality policy. Any information that was received during the course of your work, regarding our customers, company, partners, etc. must not be disclosed to any party. Such information must also be deleted from all personal devices. In addition, you have signed a non-solicitation clause as part of your employment contract. This binds you until the date specified.

You are entitled to your salary up until 31 May 2018. Severance pay will amount to £9731.00 and will be paid on 30 June 2018. Because you are in breach of the terms of your contract, you will not be entitled to any other compensation.

This decision is non-reversible. We advise you to refer to our disciplinary action policy. If you have questions or would like any clarification, the Human Resources department remains at your disposal for up to seven working days after your last day of employment.

Yours sincerely

Philip Colville

Head of Legal

Financial Logistics

Monday, 30 April is next week. I cannot believe that after all his loyalty and hard work, and frankly, all the money he’s made for that company, they could send this, without even a phone call. The tone of the email is so cold.

I push open the doors to the stairwell where it’s quiet, away from the busy shop floor, and call the office. I get Phillipa on the phone. I’m spitting I’m so angry.