Not again. I groan inside. Giving a statement to the police when Saffron was arrested was a long-winded and painful process, far more long-winded and painful than I had imagined.

I notice a pink leather diary on the counter, with a biro next to it. ‘Are you keeping a diary?’ I ask.

Her face lights up. ‘Yes. I promised my mum I would do while I was on my trip. She so wants to read all about the UK when I get back. She said if I didn’t write down the details of what I’ve seen I would forget.’

I envy Hayley her closeness to her mother. I feel empty inside. Caprice believed in Miles but not in me. If I could turn the clock back, what could I have done that would have impressed my mother more?

Hayley places a large Americano in front of me and a miniature jug of hot milk. And a plate of homemade cookies. She sits opposite me.

‘Thanks. Are you playing domestic goddess?’

‘Well, I could have been a barista or a baker, in another life,’ she says with a smile. ‘Even a barrister.’

‘And I could have been less of a disappointment to my mother.’

She leans across the table and puts her hand on my arm. ‘Don’t speak like that Aiden. We’ve all got to stay positive after the loss of your mother. Your mother loved you very much. She was very proud of your success.’

‘She loved Miles more. She was always in awe of his academics.’

She frowns. ‘A mother’s love is not a competition. And neither is life. We need to enjoy it as much as we can. Envy and resentment won’t help.’

I bite my lip to stop myself from crying. I sip my coffee.

‘Go on, have a cookie,’ she insists, handing me the plate.

‘Thanks.’

I help myself to a crumbling mass of soft biscuit and white chocolate. I take a bite. It is buttery and delicious. When I have finished eating I wipe the crumbs from my mouth with my hankie.

‘Have you been to see Saffron? Do you know how she is?’ I ask hesitantly.

She shakes her head. ‘No. Only Miles is visiting.’

I take a deep breath. ‘What does he say about her?’ I ask.

Her face stiffens. ‘Very little. He is very tight. Very closed in right now.’

‘He must be so worried about her. I don’t know how he’s coping.’

I feel empty inside. I don’t know how I’m coping. I’m worried too. But there is no point in telling Hayley that. All she ever does is think about Miles.

‘They both must be going through hell.’

‘Saffron being in prison is hell for all of us,’ I say. ‘We’ve been friends most of my adult life.’