‘Why’ve I got to wear this ugly thing?’ she’d said, dumping the bags in the footwell.

‘Because. It’s all about the first impression. How you let folk read you. Some jobs, it’s important. Others, not at all. Tonight, it is.’

‘I thought you were taking me somewhere.’

‘I am.’

‘I meant the pictures or a show. I didn’t think the job would be tonight.’

‘Well, it’s not my fault if you forgot. We talked about it, didn’t we?’

‘Yeah, I know, but –’

‘It looks good on you. The jacket.’

‘It’s a blazer.’

‘Doesn’t matter what it’s called, as long as it looks right.’ He’d wound the window down, clearing his throat and spitting on the tarmacadam. The air was cold and blasting. ‘Let me tell you how we’re going to play it. If you’re still not clear on anything, you’d better ask me now, before we get there. Understand? It won’t be in-and-out tonight, but it’ll be a simple one if you keep up your end of it.’

She’d been surprised how simple it had been, in fact.

They’d driven a few miles to Chatham and arrived outside the gate of a three-storey house close to the cemetery. Stained-glass panels glowing blue and red around the doorway. Leaded windows and a tall brick chimney. Lush and tidy lawns. A vision. ‘Remember now,’ he’d told her, ‘be as loud and tuneless as you can. The more noise you can make for me in there, the better.’ She’d followed Mal along the path as he’d gone up to ring the bell. Just as he’d described it, the old widow had come out to let them in. Mal had made the introductions in the hallway: ‘Mrs Abner, here’s the girl I mentioned on the phone – my cousin Sadie. I hope that you can work your magic on her. She needs a boost of confidence before we let her join the choir.’

The old widow had invited them into the living room, where the grand piano stood. It was a daunting space, but elegant, lit by an arrangement of tall lamps. ‘Come and stand here at the mirror, Sadie,’ the old lady had instructed her. ‘Before you sing a note, I should like to see how you are breathing – and I should also like you to observe yourself. Most beginners sing from here, in the throat. The first good habit to acquire is how to sing from here, the diaphragm.’ Well, that poor widow hadn’t known how bad a song could sound until that night.