I’d forgotten how much Flora had loved All About Eve. ‘I saw Dylan yesterday. For the first time since … well, since ’ninety-four. He was at Clive Wilson’s house when they thought … they thought …’ I tail off, not knowing what to say. How much has Margot told her?

‘When they thought they’d found Flora’s body?’ she finishes for me.

I nod. ‘But it’s not her.’

She doesn’t say anything in response and I wonder what she’s thinking. Was part of her hoping it was Flora, so that she could finally lay the ghosts of the past to rest? Or is she relieved because it means there is still hope, even after all these years?

‘Did Mum tell you that the police think I killed two people?’ She looks down at her hands. She’s fiddling with her rings.

Part of me wants to laugh because it sounds so absurd. Of all the conversations we’ve ever had, I never thought we’d be having this one at our reunion. ‘Yes. She did.’

She still doesn’t look at me. ‘Mum said you’re a journalist. Are you here for a story?’

I place my hand over hers. ‘I’m here as your friend. All of this … it’s made me realize how much you meant to me. We were such good friends. I’ve never found that again.’ I feel a stab of guilt. How can I tell her I’m here for the story too? Although the friendship thing is true.

She lifts her eyes. ‘Really?’

‘Really. I mean, I’ve got Rory, of course, and Jack who works with me on the newspaper. But no really good female friends. I … well, I miss that.’

She smiles, and it changes her whole face, brightening her instantly. ‘Me too. My life had become a bit insular, really. Just Adam and Ethan – and Mum, of course. I hardly see Uncle Leo any more.’

I nod, remembering our meeting the other day, reminded again of the ripple effect that Flora’s disappearance has had on the whole family.

If I don’t come back with an interview, Ted will be furious. But I can’t ask her. Not now we’re getting on so well. If it was anybody else, I would. But not her.

I’m angry with myself. I’m too close to this story. I should have handed it over to someone in HQ.

She touches the bandage on her head. ‘I can’t remember that morning.’

I’m confused. ‘Which morning?’

‘The morning it happened. The shootings. The last thing I remember is arguing with Adam. It was a stupid row that just escalated. I was tired, overwhelmed, felt like I was doing too much and he not enough. Ethan had been teething and not sleeping. I just felt …’ she shrugs ‘… knackered.’

‘So what happened?’