‘What’s going on?’ he asks, and they turn. Josh looks sheepish.

He nods a greeting. ‘Sarge,’ he says, despite the fact they’re off duty. ‘It was her idea,’ he adds quickly.

‘I don’t want to know,’ Robin replies. Freya and Josh start playing rock-paper-scissors, and Robin watches them curiously as he flips the kettle on, before going into the living room. Mina is sitting on the sofa, silent, a mug of tea in her hand. Robin slumps down next to her, then gives her an awkward sideways hug.

‘It’s been too long, Mina,’ Robin says. ‘Surprised to see you here, though.’

‘Don’t consider me part of their hare-brained scheme,’ Mina replies, going back to slowly sipping her tea. ‘I’m just here for the peace and quiet, and to pretend my sergeant’s keeping me late at work.’

Robin nods. ‘Fair enough.’ There’s an explosion of laughter from the kitchen. ‘What are they doing?’

‘Josh has a theory that the man got into the freezer alone, without help. Freya’s trying to prove it’s not possible.’

‘Josh thinks it’s an accident? Interesting,’ Robin says, almost to himself. He smiles at another burst of laughter from Freya. He’s enjoying hearing it, wondering how long it’s been since he’s heard her laugh like that. ‘Has she been okay this afternoon?’ he asks quietly.

‘Freya?’ Mina looks towards the kitchen. ‘She was quieter than usual last week and got upset at something on Friday. She seems more herself since the weekend.’ Mina stares at Robin. ‘Anything we should know?’

‘It’s not like that, Mina.’ Why is everyone so convinced that he and Freya are together? Robin thinks. First Liam, now Mina.

‘No?’

‘No, never.’

Mina nods, seemingly satisfied with his denial.

‘But keep an eye on her, will you?’ Robin continues. ‘She doesn’t tell me everything. It would be good to know someone else is looking out for her.’

‘Always,’ Mina replies.

The two of them sit in silence for a moment, listening to the chatter in the other room.

‘Mina,’ Robin starts. ‘Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?’

Mina turns towards him, an interested look on her face. ‘Fire away.’

‘Do you like being a mum?’

Mina raises an eyebrow but pauses, giving his question due consideration. ‘Some days, no. When the little sods won’t sleep, when you spend hours preparing a dinner they refuse to eat. When they turn every nice, civilised social occasion into absolute chaos.’ She smiles thoughtfully. ‘But when they nestle their heads into your chest or put a chubby warm hand in yours. When they’re actually quiet and asleep. When you see them change, and grow into their own little personalities. Then yes. Those are the moments that are worth it.’ She looks at Robin with curiosity. ‘Why?’

‘Just… just think maybe I’ve reached that age,’ he replies.