‘If that’s what you call it,’ Sophie said, taking a large gulp of wine. ‘All I see are police trying to get in the way. For example,’ she continued, waving a hand as if plucking a thought out of the air, ‘peaceful protests. Why shouldn’t we protest about climate change? Why shouldn’t we march for what we believe in?’

‘No one’s stopping you marching, but police need to be there to ensure everyone is safe. And if you weren’t protesting, maybe police resources could be better used elsewhere,’ Robin argued. He’d kept a smile on his face, but his tolerance was straining at the seams.

‘Nobody requested you to turn up. Nobody asked the police to stop the climate rebellion protest.’

‘Police go where we’re needed the most,’ Robin replied. ‘And if someone’s spraying red paint at a public building, then that’s the priority. We don’t go where you ask us to go.’

‘Well, why not?’ Sophie had added, ignoring the warning hand from Finn on her arm. ‘Our taxes pay your wages, after all.’

‘What?’ Robin said incredulously. ‘You pay tax? On your PhD salary?’

‘Time for a break,’ Finn interrupted, quickly. ‘Now.’

And he’d taken Sophie’s arm and pulled her away from the table.

Robin sat, alone, his mouth still open in surprise. Then he’d finished the last of the wine from his glass and signalled to the waiter to request the bill. Enough was enough.

He’d paid and left the restaurant, looking around for Finn so he could say goodbye. He’d glanced round the corner, and there Sophie and Finn were, passing a cigarette between them. Except it wasn’t a cigarette.

Even from that distance, Robin could detect the strong smell of weed. He continued watching them, unsure of what to do.

Then Finn turned and caught his eye. And Robin knew the expression on his face; he’d seen it a million times as a child. Finn could not hide when he was lying or when he’d done something wrong. It was the same expression he had when Josie had caught them stealing biscuits before dinner or sneaking in late after curfew.

‘Robin…’ Finn had started, and Robin walked up to them, taking the spliff out of his hand and stubbing it out underfoot on the pavement.

‘Hey…’ Sophie said, objecting.

‘I should arrest you,’ Robin growled. He faced Finn, turning his back deliberately on Sophie. ‘I don’t care what you do in your own time, Finn, but smoking pot in front of me is plain stupid. And it puts me in a really awkward position.’ He’d shaken his head. ‘I’m leaving. I’ll call you later.’