Mid-afternoon in the mid-week. Lee had the day spare after covering a friend over the previous weekend. She had called into work sick that same morning. He had told her the night before that, if she was serious, the house would be free in the afternoon.

She told him when she'd be there -- just after 1pm. But then 1pm came and eventually a message came when she did not. She'd be running a bit late. Anxiety sank in. Lee felt the opportunity slipping from his grasp. Easy come, easy go.

At half past two the doorbell rang and he opened the door, at first blasted by the day's brilliant...