‘That’s your job, Detective,’ Steph says. ‘Clear serial number if you want to get it.’ Freya watches as Josh leaves and goes through the inner cordon to the freezer, putting on shoe covers and gloves as he goes. Steph moves further away and pulls the hood down from her head, the gloves off her hands. She runs her fingers through her brown hair, tying a few sweaty strands back where they’ve come loose.

‘How are you, Freya?’ Steph asks. Freya’s pleased to see her. It’s been a while since she’s spoken to Dr Harper, as Steph hasn’t been allocated to any cases she and Robin have been working on for a while. Freya suspects it was deliberate, following Steph’s break-up with Robin last year. ‘Surprised to see you without Butler,’ she adds, face flushing slightly as she mentions Robin’s name.

‘He’s off today. Had to go to Reading to help one of his mates out.’

Steph nods. Freya can see she wants to ask and pauses, waiting.

‘And how is he?’

Freya gives a small smile. ‘He’s good.’

‘Same old grumpy Robin?’

‘Sort of. He’s taken up running.’

Steph steps back in mock surprise. ‘Butler?’

‘I know.’ Freya laughs. ‘Something you said must have rubbed off on him. Are you still doing those insane triathlons?’

‘Of course,’ Steph replies, then shakes her head, smiling. ‘Well, I never. Robin Butler in shorts. Say hello from me when you see him.’ She stops, blushing. ‘Actually, don’t.’ Steph looks over to Mina. ‘Give that gorgeous baby a kiss from me,’ she shouts across to her, then heads off after the body.

Freya watches her go. She’d always liked the idea of her boss and the forensic pathologist together, but for some reason it hadn’t worked out. Freya isn’t sure why, when it’s clear there are still feelings and Butler is still single. But Josh interrupts her thoughts with a wave, and she walks over to where he and Mina are waiting.

‘Freya, you come with me to interview the witness, and Mina, can you have a wider look at the location?’ Josh is obviously taking his new role seriously, more than a hint of officiousness to his voice.

‘What am I looking for, Sarge?’ Mina asks.

‘Anything that looks out of place, that might show how the body got here.’

She raises her hand in a mock salute, then heads off away from the crime scene. Freya and Josh walk silently along the track towards the train shed that doubles as the visitor centre.

‘You and Mina know each other well?’ Josh asks.