When Rob enters the cafe, Frank is already sitting down with a cup of tea and a newspaper. As Rob gets closer, he recognises the lurid headline and the photograph of Heather.
"I wouldn't have thought tabloid tittle-tattle was your thing," he says as Frank looks up.
"I don't know what you're worried about," Frank says cheerfully. "She gave you a great review in the sack."
Rob makes a mental note to read the article later. "Do you want a coffee?"
"Nah. Just get what you want, on expenses."
Rob gets an espresso and sits opposite Frank, who finally puts the paper away. "So?"
"I've got a job for you."
Rob almost laughs. "I don't think I'm the best person for an undercover role right now, do you?"
"It's not undercover work. I just want you to do some digging."
"Why me?"
"Have you got anything else to do at the moment?"
Frank has a point. He fills Rob in on the details of the investigation, then drops into conversation, "Heard from Maddox lately?"
"No." Rob shakes his head. "I heard she's working DV now."
"Did you know she was pregnant?"
Rob freezes. "What?"
"We did some tests, after she came out of that house. She was pregnant then. She's not now, though. Guess she and Sammy decided against parenthood." Frank's eyes are closely trained on Rob's face.
Oh, my Cassie. Rob feels his heart breaking all over again.
"I'll do the work for you," he says abruptly. "I'll be in touch."
Frank looks almost sorry for him. "I'll get the bill."