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Tessa Hall padded down the stairs into her kitchen, flicked the light switch and blinked away the sleepy dust in her eyes. She tugged at the fleece, pulling it over her ample chest and belly, and shivered.

The boiler hadn’t yet kicked in so the air in the kitchen was cool, her nose and cheeks chilly to the touch. It was a bitterly cold morning and she was mad. Mad to be up at this ungodly hour to pound the streets. She should still be tucked up in bed, fast asleep under her warm duvet, with Schrödinger, her kitten, beside her. For a minute she considered heading back upstairs and joining him. It was a tempting thought. Then she heaved a sigh. She’d made the New Year’s resolution to get into shape for a good reason, and it was paying off. She had to stick to it, no matter if it was bloody awful getting up before 6 a.m. three times a week to jog miles along wet or slippery pavements while the world slumbered on. At first, she’d struggled to manage even half a mile, her breath coming in painful, ragged gasps with each step, but now she could keep up a decent pace for about five miles and was pleased with her efforts. It hadn’t been easy, and she’d hated every minute of it, but she had a goal – a reason for all this punishment.

She caught sight of her reflection in the kitchen window and thought she was looking fitter and healthier. She smoothed her stomach with one hand and smiled to herself. The reason for her interest in exercise would be here tomorrow night, and she couldn’t wait.

Tessa’s thoughts drifted to their last liaison, and she squirmed at the delicious memory. He’d had to spend Valentine’s Day at home, which was a bummer, but what could she expect? The jealous cow would be sure to suspect him of an affair if he’d been out on that particular night. It didn’t matter. Tessa looked at the huge display of flowers he’d sent her. She was winning. He was becoming more and more besotted. It wouldn’t be much longer before he’d dump the miserable cow; after all, Tessa had a trump card – one she’d kept close to her chest. She was biding her time before she played it, and when she did – he’d be amazed, delighted and wholly hers.

It would be worth it – all the deceit, all the clandestine meetings. The future was looking remarkably brighter. She checked her iPhone to make sure her running music was set up. The music was the only thing that kept her going some mornings. She’d get this over with, do some stretching back home, grab a shower and maybe stop off at the drive-in Costa on her way to work. She’d pick up a hot chocolate – one naughty treat wouldn’t hurt.

She’d have to buy some drinks for tomorrow night too. She planned on sharing her news at last and they’d have some serious celebrating to do.

Tessa attached the iPhone to her upper arm, over the fleece, and picked up her running shoes. As she did so, somebody knocked at her front door – a gentle tap. It couldn’t be him, could it? He sometimes surprised her by stopping off on his way to work. He’d done so last week. He’d arrived at six thirty, desperate to see her. They’d had eager, passionate sex on the kitchen table before he’d had to leave. Her insides squirmed at the thought of it. Of course it would be him, desperate for her. Like her, he couldn’t wait for tomorrow. She eagerly drew back the bolt and opened the door but was disappointed to find it was not who she was expecting.

‘What are you doing here?’

‘I had to see you. It’s urgent.’

‘Look, I’ve made my position clear on this subject.’

‘I’ll only be a minute. Please let me in. It’s freezing out here.’

Tessa sighed. ‘Make it quick. I want to get a run in before I go to work.’ She moved aside to let her visitor in and then shut the door.

‘Won’t you reconsider?’

‘I’m not changing my mind about this,’ she said, folding her arms. ‘I told you on the phone. I’ve made my mind up and that’s that. So, it doesn’t matter what you say, I won’t back down.’

‘Tessa, I’m asking nicely.’

‘How many times do I have to tell you no?’

‘I’m begging you to reconsider.’

A soft meow made Tessa look up. Her kitten was at the top of the stairs, seeking attention. He called again but did not move.

‘I don’t have to beg, do I, Tessa?’

The voice was angrier this time and irked Tessa. She wasn’t in the mood to put up with any intimidation. Besides, she’d made up her mind. She looked away from the kitten and shook her head crossly. ‘I have to get going.’

She turned back to open the door again but stopped in mid-action. Her eyes widened with surprise as an object swung towards her and warm liquid spilled down her cheek. Then the pain exploded in her head. There was no time to assimilate what had happened. There was nothing but blackness as she slipped to the floor. The kitten called out plaintively.

Her visitor checked for a pulse then stepped over her body, reached for the door handle and slid out into the darkness.