I reach over and squeeze his hand. ‘I’m so sorry.’ ‘Back off’ makes sense now. Not someone warning me off the story, but a jealous lover warning me off their boyfriend. ‘Have you moved out?’

‘Finn left yesterday. He’s staying with …’ he rolls his eyes ‘… Harriet Hill of all people. Oh, yes, it seems the two of them have struck up a friendship.’

‘Harriet Hill? I – I just can’t –’ We burst out laughing at the absurdity of it. ‘Hey,’ I say, a thought striking me. ‘You don’t think he’s “the source”, do you? We wondered how she was getting all her stories.’

His eyes widen. ‘Of course! What a wanker! He’d have knowledge of the case through his job. And then he fed the information back to her.’

‘So much for his I don’t give tip-offs because it’s unprofessional crap.’ I mimic Finn’s voice. ‘He wanted to make me look bad, no doubt, by giving her all the good stuff.’

He pats my hand, which still rests on top of his. ‘I’m sorry. And I love you, you know. Just,’ he winks, ‘not like that.’

A lump forms in my throat. ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving. You’re my only friend in Bristol.’

‘You have Heather now.’

That’s true. All this time I’d wanted to believe my old friend was innocent and now I know she is we can move on, resume our friendship as women.

‘And Rory. He’s a good bloke.’

‘I know,’ I say, taking my hand from his and picking up my sandwich. ‘I’m lucky to have him.’

‘You’re lucky to have each other.’ He pauses as he takes a bite of his sandwich. ‘You know what really pisses me off?’ he says, his mouth still full. ‘I could have had that fucker Finn but I didn’t hit him back, even when he punched me in the face and in the ribs.’

‘That’s because you’re a million times the person he is,’ I say. ‘I wish you’d told me.’

His eyes are downcast, as he says softly, ‘I was ashamed.’

‘Oh, Jack. He should be the one who’s ashamed.’ Then: ‘Can I come with you?’ I say, the idea popping into my head. ‘To Brighton? Do you think they have a job going for another reporter?’

Jack stares at me. ‘I can find out, if that’s what you really want.’