‘Fine,’ she says, focusing on the here and now. And she realises it’s not a bad idea. Even though it’s still detective work, of sorts, the thought of being away makes her feel instantly better. ‘Clear it with Baker, and I’ll come.’

Robin smiles. ‘Deal.’ Then he looks at her seriously. ‘And maybe go and see your GP?’

‘And say what?’

‘Not the detail you told me. But that you’re not sleeping. That you’re depressed.’

‘I don’t want to take any drugs,’ Freya says firmly.

‘Okay, your choice. But they help me.’ He stands, picking his mobile up. ‘I’ll call Baker,’ he says, and walks away towards the living room.

She watches him go, her mouth half-open. For the most part, her boss is tight-lipped, keeping any detail about his personal life to himself. They still haven’t talked about what happened last year between him and Steph. He doesn’t ever mention any sort of love life, or friends. And then he’ll go and do something like this. Share something so private it will catch her off guard and make her think about him differently.

He’s a person, like any other. And one she likes being around, very much.

The thought of going on a trip with Robin lifts her spirits. She knows it’s going to be a crappy budget hotel. She knows he’ll insist on driving. But, she thinks, it might just be fun.

29

Saturday

The cottage is on a quiet rural street – detached, brick, with four windows evenly spaced across the front. A practical Vauxhall Corsa sits on the gravel driveway. There are two small trees in pots either side of the blue-painted front door.

For a moment, Robin sits in his car and looks at it, unwilling to move. But he needs to know. He gets out and walks slowly towards the door, then raps twice with the shiny silver knocker.

He hears footsteps, then the door’s opened.

The woman in front of him smiles.

‘DS Robin Butler,’ she says. ‘I wondered if you’d turn up.’

‘Hi, Liv, you’re looking…’ His gaze drops immediately to the massive bump.

‘Fat, yes, I know.’ She laughs. She moves out of the way of the door. ‘Come in.’

Like the exterior, the inside of the house is neat and clean. Robin remembers her house from before – she’s clearly gone up in the world.

‘I like the new place,’ he remarks.

‘Thanks. Drink?’

‘No, I won’t be staying long.’ He hovers in the kitchen doorway, feeling uncomfortable. Now he’s here, he’s not sure how to say it.

She’s watching him closely, a smile playing on her lips. It’s clear she knows exactly why he’s there.

‘How have you been, Robin?’ she asks.

‘Is it mine?’ he blurts out.

‘Is what yours?’

‘Liv, come on. You know what I’m asking.’