I stood for a moment, not moving, focusing instead on regulating my breathing and slowing my heart rate.

‘Want me to come along?’

I turned towards the quietly made offer to find Luke looking up at me from behind his desk, his expression as downcast as I felt.

I shook my head. ‘No, but thanks,’ I replied. ‘I think it’s probably best that I go alone.’

‘You know, all that talk of pastries has made me right hungry,’ said Roger, reaching for his coat and pausing next to me to put it on, ‘so I’m going to go out and get some for us all. What type for you, Edie? Chocolate, custard, or one of those red jammy ones? They’re your particular favourite, aren’t they?’

I smiled at him, resisting – only for his sake – a sudden urge to take his hand in mine and press it to my face. ‘That’s such a nice idea, Roger. Yes, red jammy, please.’

‘Righty-ho,’ he said cheerily. ‘Luke?’

‘Chocolate, please, Rog,’ he replied, looking rather emotional at the prospect of a pain au chocolat.

‘Grand choice,’ Roger nodded. ‘And what about you, Cameron?’ he asked, walking over to him and laying a fatherly hand on his shoulder.

Cameron tore his eyes away from his screen and smiled up at him. ‘Chocolate would be great,’ he said quietly. ‘Thanks, Roger.’

Chapter 31

Roger’s treat notwithstanding, the rest of the working day felt intensely serious. Because although I managed to avoid any further encounters with Ruby, the effect of the first one lingered, and not just with me, but seemingly with everyone. Consequently, the atmosphere in the office could be described as flat at best.

Not that Ruby had been a topic of discussion between us. I had no doubt that if Luke and I had been alone at any point, her name would have come up, but clearly neither of us felt able to mention her in front of Roger or Cameron. And they didn’t refer to her visit either, other than obliquely, when I overheard Roger telling Cameron that Vincent was one of many architects keen to maintain ties with Alison, primarily with her retirement and the possibility of taking over the practice in mind.

Of course, this wasn’t news to me. Alison had been welcoming – or perhaps tolerating – a steady stream of sycophantic professional suitors the entire time I’d worked for her. But Vincent’s visit had unsettled me in a way the others had not, and Roger’s reference to Alison’s retirement had rattled me even further – enough that I made a mental note to raise the matter at my upcoming appraisal. If there was the possibility of finding myself with a new boss any time soon – especially one with a particular fondness for Ruby Blair – then I wanted to know about it and consider my options.