‘So now what?’ Laura asked. ‘You have to talk to Mike.’ She couldn’t believe anyone had made a complaint about him, let alone the timid girl Laura recalled hovering in the toilets on her first day back. ‘Has anyone else complained about him or was it just Sarah?’

‘Well, that’s the thing. I’m hearing that a few other women are coming forward and saying they feel undervalued. I’m hearing’ – he paused – ‘that this is how our culture is perceived. I can’t believe you haven’t heard any of it.’

She shook her head, her mouth agape. ‘Nor can I. So who else has spoken to you about him?’

‘No one,’ he said.

‘I don’t understand. You said others have come forward.’

‘No one’s complained to me about him. They’re speaking to Mia.’

‘Mia?’ she repeated and let out a laugh, shaking her head.

‘That’s right, and to tell you the truth, Laura, I don’t really know what to do,’ Harry said, ignoring her reaction.

‘You don’t do anything for now,’ Laura replied, firmly.

‘What?’

‘Don’t do anything.’ She threw her hands up and shrugged. ‘We both know what Mike’s like, and that it’s just the way he is. He isn’t a bully, Harry. You know that. This is something that’s escalated and got out of hand, and I know she’s behind it.’

Harry raised his eyes.

‘Mia,’ Laura confirmed. ‘She’s doing this. She’s trying to cause trouble. I don’t know why she’s focusing on Mike, but—’

‘Laura, don’t,’ he said, stopping her. ‘You can’t make this about your desire to get back at Mia.’

‘I’m not trying to get back at anyone,’ she said, through gritted teeth. ‘But you know that Mike’s – Mike’s …’ She trailed off, waving her hand. ‘Harry, why are you looking at me like that?’

‘Nothing.’

Laura glanced down and twisted her fingers around her empty glass.

‘It’s just that I don’t want to see you getting so wrapped up in Mia. I don’t want you to make yourself ill again.’

‘Harry,’ Laura snapped. ‘This is so completely different, and if you listened to me you’d realise that I honestly believe Mia is out to get me. For some reason. I have no clue why, but I know she is.’

Harry pursed his lips, releasing his breath slowly. ‘Let me get us another drink.’