‘Maybe.’ Freya feigns nonchalance, like she hasn’t noticed, but yes, he is. And he knows it, too. Ever since he arrived six months ago, just before Christmas, the women at the station have been all abuzz. Relaxed smiles and hair-tossing. It’s a bit too obvious for Freya. Not that she has the brain space for any sort of flirting nowadays.

In front of them, DCI Neal Baker clears his throat and the whole room hushes in reverence. ‘Good morning, everyone,’ he begins. ‘A warm welcome to Mina Desai, on her first day back after maternity leave.’

Freya glances at Mina, whose face has gone red. She leans over, her mouth next to Freya’s ear.

‘To be honest,’ Mina whispers, ‘if I can get through the day without breast milk leaking through my top, it’ll be a win.’

Baker continues: ‘As you’ve probably guessed, the storm last night has pulled up more than your usual number of crazies. Reports of supposed criminal damage have gone through the roof and domestics have escalated, with everyone stuck inside. Response and Patrol are doing all they can to get on top of the problems on the roads with trees down and flooding, so some of the more serious B and Es are going to fall to us.’ A groan ripples round the room. Breaking and entering – hardly a favourite for detectives who assumed their days of taking dull statements from annoyed homeowners were over. ‘Now, we’re already low on DSs and DIs, and with Butler out dealing with a personal issue this morning, Smith, West and Desai, I want you reporting to me, with Smith in charge for the time being as acting DS. The rest of you, please report to your supervising officers, who will point you in the direction of your newest priorities.’

Conversation starts up, as the other detectives begin their day. Freya stares at her phone again. Nothing. What could possibly have happened for Robin to take an unplanned day off? The man has no personal life. His parents and sister are dead. His love life non-existent. It worries her.

Mina leans across to Freya. ‘So, it looks like the hot guy’s in charge. Ooh, here he comes.’

Freya hurriedly puts her mobile in her pocket as Josh stands in front of them. He looks smug.

‘Josh,’ he says, holding his hand out to Mina. ‘You must be Mina.’ She shakes his hand, and Freya notices a flirty smile on her face. Then he turns to Freya. ‘And you’re Freya. Where’s your charming boss this morning?’

She knows he’s being sarcastic; Robin’s reputation around the team is hardly one of jollity and fun, despite the Little Miss Sunshine mug that resides on his desk. Her hackles go up in response. ‘How should I know? I’m just thrilled you’re in charge this morning,’ she replies, returning the sentiment.