‘My name is Jane,’ she interrupted.

‘I’ve known Nick for years, Jane. You could say I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for him – in a maternal way, that is. He got married about a year and a half ago, then two weeks later his missus ran off with his best man. Turned out they’d being having an affair for a long time, but the bitch didn’t have the guts to tell him.’

‘God, that’s awful,’ Jane said. ‘I didn’t even know Nick had been married.’

‘It gets worse, Jane. Six months later, his mum discovered she had cancer. She was dead within three weeks. I’d never seen Nick so depressed. His father was in a terrible state, too, but he had to be strong for his son’s sake.’

Jane suddenly felt very uncomfortable about accepting Nick’s invitation to dinner, worrying that she might have led him up the garden path.

‘I’ve certainly got no intention of hurting Nick,’ she said.

Sandra looked at her. ‘Good. He likes you . . . a lot.’

‘How do you know?’

‘He was in here last night and told me about you.’

‘What did he say?’ Jane asked.

‘Not much, but I could tell from the way he spoke and the look in his eye that he’s got a soft spot for you.’

‘Did he say what I do for a living?’

‘No, but my guess is you’re a copper.’

Jane was flummoxed. ‘How can you tell?’

Sandra tapped the side of her nose with her forefinger. ‘Being a landlady means I’m pretty good at guessing people’s professions.’

‘But we’ve never spoken until now.’

Sandra laughed. ‘I’m only joking. Nick said he’d met a police lady who he really liked. Believe me, if your relationship does develop, you won’t find a nicer or kinder man to be with.’

‘Thanks for telling me about the tragedy in his life. I better get going or he’ll be wondering where I’ve got to.’

‘Take care, Jane. I’ve a feeling I might be seeing more of you.’

‘Everything good?’ Nick asked when she got back to the bar.

‘Fine, thanks. I was just chatting to Sandra. She’s quite a character.’

‘She certainly is. Any nonsense and you’re out the door with her foot up your backside.’

As they were leaving the pub, the band started playing their opening number, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ by Queen.

*

The maître d’ of the Fantail looked stylish in a three-piece grey pinstripe suit. ‘Good evening, Mr Durham. It’s been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of your company.’ He had a pronounced French accent.

‘I only come here on special occasions,’ Nick replied, smiling at Jane.

‘Then we will do our best to make it a memorable evening for you and madame,’ said the maître d’.