‘Yeah, she’s great,’ Freya replies with a smile. ‘We started as DCs together, must be… oh… five, six years ago,’ Freya finishes, thinking back. They were the only two new female detectives that year, bonded together out of necessity, darkly laughing over coffee and cake at the many misogynistic comments directed their way. Over the years, it had turned into real friendship, but Freya’s only too aware of how she’s let it slip while Mina’s been off. ‘Have you been to the model railway before?’ she says, changing the subject as guilt threatens.

‘Narrow gauge, not model,’ Josh replies, then looks slightly embarrassed. ‘Once, with my nephews. Only in England could it be acceptable to spend your Sunday pootling around on a tiny train.’

They pass through a dark passageway into the main station. Two perfectly proportioned steam trains wait on the tracks, carriages behind them. Freya looks at them while Josh goes off to ask at the gift shop. It’s a different world to Freya. Places to go on a Saturday afternoon to amuse the kids. Fresh air, bright sunshine, gaudy metal playparks.

Josh comes back, pointing towards the café on the far side.

They walk over and slide open the door, heading towards the older gentleman sat at one of the tables. He has a mug and a fry-up in front of him. He is wearing baggy oil-stained overalls and looks up as Freya and Josh approach.

‘Are you the police?’ he asks and they nod, both showing their warrant cards.

‘DS Josh Smith and DC Freya West,’ Josh says. Freya glances his way with a small smile: didn’t take you long to assimilate the new promotion, did it? Conveniently forgetting the fact it’s only temporary. Oh, to have that confidence, she thinks ruefully.

The man points towards the bench opposite him, gesturing for them to sit down. He introduces himself. ‘Barry Headley. Do you want anything? They do a mean sausage sandwich.’

Freya’s mouth waters but she shakes her head, following Josh’s lead.

‘I’m surprised you have your appetite, after what you saw this morning,’ Josh starts.

‘Yeah, well. Need something to boost up the blood sugar. It was quite a shock.’

‘I can imagine. Do you mind telling us about it?’

The old man takes a swig from his coffee. ‘Got here about sixish, needed to work on the Silver Jubilee – that’s the green Pacific-type loco out there. Her pistons have been a bit out of line, keeps on misfiring, you know how it is.’

They both nod in pretend understanding.

‘Are you always in at that time?’ Freya asks.