Now Mia watched Laura hover on the periphery of the boardroom, before Harry finally called everyone to the table. Mia was prepared to give her a friendly smile and wave, but not once did Laura look over at her. She turned back to her notes and scanned her eyes over them, her heart fluttering as it always did when she was about to present. And then it happened again. On the table her mobile began to vibrate, and she already knew who was calling. Sliding it towards herself, Mia looked at the name and knew she couldn’t ignore it a second time, because there was no way her mum would be calling her twice if it wasn’t urgent.

‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered to Harry, ‘I’m going to have to take this.’

‘Oh,’ he said cocking his head, unsure what to do.

‘I’m sorry,’ she repeated, pushing back her chair. ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’

As she left the room, Mia wondered if there was ever a time when Laura Denning would be so unprofessional as to leave a meeting just as she was about to present, and decided most definitely not. But then no one around the table had any idea about the parts of Mia’s life that would always take priority over work.

Tuesday 14 May

Initial interviews between DC Emily Marlow and the staff of Morris & Wood, following the fire on Monday 13 May

Patrick Carter, Senior Account Director

Patrick:I can’t get my head around what’s happened.

Marlow:I understand this is a stressful time for you, Patrick.

Patrick:It is. It doesn’t feel real. The whole thing’s burned to the ground, hasn’t it? Was it … was it an accident or did someone do this?

Marlow:At this moment in time we don’t know exactly what started the fire.

Patrick:I know you think someone did it. Someone who worked here.

Marlow:If you wouldn’t mind just answering a few questions for me?

Patrick:I will, but can you tell me the truth. Please? I heard they pulled a body out the building last night. And now neither Harry nor his wife, Janie, are answering their bloody phones.

Marlow:I’m afraid we can’t—

Patrick:I just want to know that they’re all right. I want to know it wasn’t Harry, because … you must know if it was or not?

Marlow:I’m really sorry, Patrick. I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything at the moment.

Patrick:He’s a friend, that’s all. Harry Wood. He’s my boss and everything, but he’s a mate too, and if anything’s happened to him … This is what doesn’t sit right. If someone did start the fire and he was in there, well then, I can’t tell you one person who would want to do that. It makes no sense.

Marlow:Patrick …