Page 85 of Happily Never After
Finn laughs. ‘Am I writing this book, or are you? The point is that the timeline matches and it corroborates the neighbour’s evidence.’
I think for a moment. ‘I still think we’d need something more, but the PAYE records could unlock that too.’
‘Go on.’
‘They wouldn’t just link Claire to the pub, they’d provide a record of everyone else working there at the same time.’
‘Pauline?’
‘Bingo. Pauline would definitely recognise Claire, even twenty years on. She confirms that she was living with Darren and that’s the missing link. Have I ever told you that you’re a genius?’
Finn’s smile widens. ‘You may have said it once or twice. Before we wrap up, are you still on for tomorrow?’
‘Absolutely. Wild horses wouldn’t keep me away.’
‘OK. I’ll send you all the details. I’ll already be in the studio when you arrive, but the security people know they’re expecting you and will have a pass waiting for you. They’ll also call me to come and get you.’
‘I can’t wait.’
‘I just hope you aren’t bored rigid.’
‘I think that’s extremely unlikely.’
I’m awake long before the alarm goes off at six thirty the next morning and I’m relieved to see, on peering out of the curtains, that the weather has decided to be kind even though we’re heading into autumn. I’ve given myself plenty of time to make sure I’m looking my best for today, but I have the kind of hair that frizzes into an unmanageable mess at the first sight of a raincloud, so the clear blue sky is welcome.
Liv and Donna are already fully dressed and sipping on cups of tea when I pad into the kitchen. This isn’t a surprise; Liv has always been an early riser and generally gets to Maison Olivia shortly after seven, even though they don’t open until nine, and Donna has to do what she calls ‘the school run’, collecting dogs from the houses of those owners who’ve paid for the privilege.
‘All set for your big day?’ Liv asks. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Nervous, but in a good way this time.’
‘Explain.’
‘So, when we went to The Mermaid, I was nervous because I didn’t know if we’d have anything to talk about, or if the friendship we’d cultivated in France would translate back to the UK.’
‘You were anxious.’
‘Yes. Whereas now I’m nervous because I’m seeing Finn face to face, but also looking forward to it. I’m not worried because I know I’m going to have a good day.’
‘You’re excited.’
‘Exactly.’
‘You’ll have a blast,’ Donna assures me. ‘These places are amazing. Did I ever tell either of you about the time I was onBlankety-Blank?’
‘No,’ Liv tells her. ‘And it’ll have to wait, sorry. Laura’s got to get going.’ She turns to me. ‘Are we expecting you back for dinner?’
The question catches me completely by surprise. Finn hasn’t mentioned anything about dinner, but then again he hasn’t given any indication that the visit today is time limited.
‘I don’t know,’ I reply. ‘Can I text you?’
‘Of course. If I don’t hear, I’ll assume it’s good news and you’re not coming home.’
‘That’s a terrible idea,’ Donna counters. ‘If you don’t hear anything, it might be because Finn’s taken inspiration from one of her books, chopped her up and left her in a ditch.’
Liv grins. ‘I may only have met him for a couple of minutes, but I think that’s extremely unlikely. She’d be more likely to look the wrong way crossing the road and be mown down by a bus. Country mouse up in the big smoke and all that.’
‘One,’ I interject crossly, ‘I’m perfectly capable of crossing the road, thank you. And two…’
