From the disappointed look on his face, Jane thought he assumed it was with another man. ‘It’s with a friend, but I’m not meeting her until midday.’

He perked up. ‘I could come round at ten. It would only take me an hour to look round your house.’

‘Ten it is, then,’ Jane said with a smile.

‘Would you like another drink?’ Nick asked.

Jane looked at her watch. ‘It’s seven thirty. Should we go over to the restaurant?’

‘It’s OK if we’re a bit late. They’ll hold the table for me.’

‘In that case, I’ll have another G and T.’

‘Same again, please, Sandra.’

‘I’m paying for this round . . . whether you like it or not,’ Jane said, opening her handbag and removing her purse.

‘I don’t, but I won’t argue. Where did you live before Chislehurst?’

‘Marylebone, in a tiny flat. I was on an investigation which led to me making inquiries in Kent. I really liked the area and wanted to live and work somewhere quieter so I could study for the inspectors’ exam.’

‘You could have got a bigger place for the same price if you’d moved a bit further out,’ he said.

‘I know. But as a Met police officer I get a housing allowance which helps towards my mortgage. But to get it, you have to live within a fifteen-mile radius of Trafalgar Square. Chislehurst is just on the edge of it.’

He nodded. ‘On the plus side, a house in an area like Chislehurst is a good investment. If you do it up a bit you could easily make a five or six grand profit on it in no time.’

Nick put his half-full glass on the counter. ‘Shall we head over to the restaurant?’

‘Yes. I just need to pop to the ladies.’

As Jane stood in front of the mirror checking her makeup and hair, she was pleased that Nick hadn’t mentioned the investigation. So far, she was just enjoying herself.

Sandra walked in.

‘All right, love?’

‘Yes, thanks,’ Jane smiled. ‘You’ve got a really nice pub.’

‘Glad you like it. It’s been hard work running it since my husband buggered off with one of the barmaids. Mind you, I’m better off without the arsehole. Is Nick taking you for dinner at the Fantail?’

‘Yes. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been told it’s really fancy.’

‘Best outside of Central London, though its prices are about the same. You and Nick been dating long?’ she asked.

‘We’ve just met, literally two days ago,’ Jane replied coolly, thinking it was none of Sandra’s business.

‘Well, don’t you go leading him up the garden path. He’s one of the best is Nick. He doesn’t need more heartbreak in his life.’

‘Is there something I should know?’ Jane asked.

Sandra sighed. ‘Sorry if it seems like I’m intruding, love, but . . .’