‘But Thorpe wasn’t dead until the night of the storm – Steph confirmed it,’ Freya challenges. ‘Are you thinking the original dumpers went back to dispose of the body?’

‘Yeah. And I know… As hypotheses go, it’s not a good one,’ Josh admits. ‘And we’re still trying to locate the vic’s next of kin.’ He pauses. ‘Listen, Freya…’

‘Hmm?’ She gives the coffee order to the woman behind the counter, only half listening.

Another gap. ‘Don’t worry. It’s fine. See you when you get back.’

Freya says her goodbyes and pockets her phone, as the woman passes over the coffees. She wonders what Josh was about to say, but then dismisses it.

Robin’s waiting for her in the car, talking to someone on the phone. She climbs in awkwardly, coffees in hand, and he raises an eyebrow as he talks, his face breaking into a big smile when she pulls the packet of Monster Munch out of her pocket.

He hangs up.

‘That was Josie,’ he explains. ‘The doctors say Finn has a risk of seizures from the alcohol detox. They’ve prescribed some drugs to help.’

‘Shit,’ Freya replies. ‘But no other change?’

‘None.’

‘And Josie’s happy with our trip to Devon?’ Robin ignores the question, opening the packet of crisps and eating one, crumbs dropping messily on his lap. ‘You haven’t told her, have you?’ Freya surmises from his silence.

He shakes his head, his mouth full. He chews. ‘Don’t want to rock the boat if there’s no reason.’

‘And where have you told her you’ve gone?’

‘Home. I haven’t lied about that. I just said I felt it was time to visit Mum’s grave.’ He starts the engine again and hands her the packet of Monster Munch to hold. The smell is overpowering, but tempting.

‘And she believed you?’

‘I think she has bigger things to worry about right now.’ He reaches over and takes a crisp.

‘I thought you were on a health kick,’ she asks.

‘What makes you think that?’

‘The running? Drinking less coffee? Not getting pissed?’

He looks slightly embarrassed. ‘Just thought I should look after myself better.’ He grins, then puts one in his mouth. ‘But we’re on holiday, Frey,’ he says, with a spray of crisp crumbs. ‘Normal rules don’t apply.’

They head off down the motorway again, Robin posting Monster Munch into his mouth at frequent intervals. Freya’s phone beeps again, from Josh. A text message this time.

Hi Freya. What I meant to say earlier was I had a great time with you at the pub on Wednesday, and I’d love to do it again. But without my stupid mates, this time?

She stares at it. Then another beep.

When this case is over, and it’s allowed, do you want to go out with me? xx

‘Who’s that?’ Robin asks.