I sank into the soft corduroy cushions of the huge corner couch and looked around. This would all have been very much to Reggie’s taste. It was awful to think she would never have the opportunity to live here.

‘Let’s have a drink. Maybe some wine, as you haven’t got the baby in tow?’

It sounded appealing, particularly as I felt somewhat tongue-tied, so I agreed. Maryam walked over to the huge American-style fridge in the kitchen area and returned with a bottle of prosecco and two tall glasses, each containing a handful of fresh raspberries.

‘We’ll have lunch soon. I’ve made a roasted vegetable couscous – I hope that’s okay?’

‘It sounds delicious.’

We sat in awkward silence for a minute or two, sipping our drinks.

‘So, how are you?’ I ventured. ‘Have you been working a lot?’

She sighed. ‘I’ve taken a couple of weeks off. It’s been so busy these last few months. I’ve been glad of the distraction, but I need time out now, just to get my head straight. I wanted to spend some time at home, too. Luc was staying with me for a while when I first moved in, but he’s found work in a hotel kitchen in Rugby, and the accommodation comes with the job.’

‘Oh, that’s good to hear. Reggie always worried about him. I’m so glad he’s making something of his life.’

‘I think he’s finally been able to move on. Not that he forgives Akhmad for his behaviour – far from it. But at least he knows the man didn’t kill his sister.’

I still felt strongly that even if Akhmad had not actually pushed her physically, he was ultimately responsible. I had no doubt that his abusive, controlling behaviour and the resultant anxiety would have led to Reggie’s uncharacteristic heavy drinking, without which none of this would have happened. My eyes began to well as I thought of her parting words to me the last time we had met: ‘I’m a born survivor.’ The tragic irony of it all.

Maryam interrupted my thoughts. ‘It’s so weird, though. I keep going over it in my mind. I mean, how could she have just slipped like that? Was she rushing and not looking where she was going? I’ve tried to picture it a thousand times. Did something startle her so that she stepped backwards suddenly – or did she have a dizzy spell and lose her balance? Even after the post-mortem there was no conclusive explanation, so I suppose we’ll never know now.’