‘You’re right,’ said Claire instead hoping he would let the matter drop. ‘I might go back to bed for an hour.’

‘What’s keeping you so busy?’ asked Chris.

‘We just have a lot of cases on at the moment. And with Donald away, we’re also carrying his work as well.’ Donald was one of the senior partners but his wife had fallen ill unexpectedly. ‘I don’t know how long he’ll be off for. We’re hoping to get an update on Monday from him. It’s a tricky one – we don’t want to push him with Vera being so ill.’

‘No, of course not,’ replied Chris. ‘What cases are you working on?’

‘A big fraud case,’ answered Claire, feeling pleased he’d asked. ‘A couple of thefts as well but I’m also overseeing some of Donald’s work and then there’s the rape case…’

‘Rape?’ queried Chris.

Claire immediately wanted to kick herself.

‘Yes, but I’m just helping out on that one – not leading it,’ replied Claire. ‘Anyway—’

Chris looked at her, eyebrows raised in surprise.

‘Rape? Are you kidding, Claire? After everything you went through?’

‘I know, I know. I declined it at first but then Julia…’ She trailed off, immediately regretting bringing her into the conversation. While always polite to each other, Chris and Julia had never really hit it off as she’d hoped.

‘Julia what?’ asked Chris, eyes narrowing.

‘Nothing. Like I said, I’m just the face of it – nothing more than that. Chloe is handling it mainly and I’m just there to support,’ replied Claire firmly. She needed another cup of coffee.

‘Claire, are you sure that’s such a good idea?’

‘It’s fine. I’m fine,’ said Claire, getting up. ‘Now I’m going to tackle the kitchen and get some toast. Do you want anything?’

Chris didn’t reply but she could feel his eyes boring into her back and knew she should never have mentioned the Rose Aiker case.

9

‘Hi! Come in, come in,’ greeted Linda, opening the front door wide. Even though it was a weekend, Linda was again beautifully made-up. Luke came charging down the hallway.

‘Jaaaammiiiieeeee,’ he shouted, clearly thrilled to see his friend on a Sunday morning outside of school. Luke was wearing a pirate outfit, the eye patch skewed on his face. Linda smiled. ‘He’s been excited all morning.’

Claire grinned as the two boys ran off. ‘I hope they don’t destroy your house! It’s beautiful by the way,’ she complimented, looking around.

‘Thank you! Yes, we’re very happy here. Don’t worry, the playroom’s in the back and there’s loads of toys – they’ll be happy for hours. Well, twenty minutes at least!’ Linda laughed.

‘Thanks for inviting us over,’ said Claire as she followed Linda into the kitchen.