‘I’ll call her and make an excuse. I don’t think she’ll be too bothered.’

‘Well, it’s up to you.’

‘Her number is at my house, so I’ll have to ring her from there.’

‘Do you want to use the bathroom, while I make some bacon, eggs and coffee?’ Nick asked.

Jane grabbed his hand. ‘Can we make love again first?’

*

Later, Nick picked up his car from the Fantail car park and let Jane drive it to her house. Taking a longer route this time, she felt more relaxed and better able to enjoy the experience.

‘I should have the Ferrari up and running in a few weeks, and you can have a go behind the wheel,’ Nick said.

‘That would be great.’ Jane smiled, liking the fact he wanted to see more of her, though she worried that rushing things too quickly might spoil everything. Only time will tell, she thought to herself, hoping that this time it would last.

As soon as she got home, Jane went upstairs to change and phone Sam Pullen, while Nick measured the wall between the dining and living rooms and made notes in a drawing book.

‘Hi, Sam, it’s Jane. Something has come up and I can’t make lunch at The Bull’s Head today,’ she said, feeling bad about lying.

‘No problem,’ Sam said. ‘To be honest, I’m feeling knackered after a late night.’

‘Did you get called out to a crime scene?’

Sam laughed. ‘No, I was out on a date with Lloyd and had a bit too much to drink, then one thing led to another and . . . well, I won’t go into details.’

Jane was a bit taken aback by how frank Sam was being. ‘You mean Lloyd Johnson, the lab sergeant?’

‘Why? Have you slept with him as well?’

‘No! Never! We’re just good friends.’

‘So, is there anyone in your life, Jane?’ Sam asked.

‘Not at the moment . . . but I’m working on it,’ she said tentatively.

‘It’s not that handsome Father Chris, is it?’ Sam asked.

‘No, it isn’t,’ she said firmly. ‘He’s a priest, Sam, for goodness’ sake.’

‘I was only joking, Jane. No need to be so touchy.’

‘Sorry, I had a late night catching up on my paperwork and didn’t sleep too well.’

Sam asked if there had been any developments in the investigation. Jane told her about Bishop Meade making inquiries with the archivist and how everything had pretty much come to a standstill.

‘Hopefully, we’ll know who she is by Tuesday at the latest and DCS Barnes will form a squad. Then we can move forward quickly.’

‘You’ll solve it, Jane. Lloyd said you’re one of the most dogged and lateral-thinking detectives he’s come across. If you fancy going out next weekend, let me know. And get some rest, you grumpy mare,’ she laughed, and Jane couldn’t help joining in.