Monika had striking features, high cheekbones and a sharp nose, big green eyes. She was wearing a sky-blue Home Angels T-shirt and skin-tight white jeans. Dorothy couldn’t help thinking they must be incredibly uncomfortable for cleaning, and not at all practical. Monika had a gold choker chain around her neck with a crucifix on it, her blonde hair in a bun on the top of her head, and her nails long and dark purple. You could see why even an old man like Jacob would notice her.

‘I’m not here to see Mrs Cavanagh,’ Dorothy said. ‘I’m here to see you.’

Monika looked confused.232

‘Can I come in?’ Dorothy said.

Monika glanced behind her, then back. ‘No, this is not my house.’

She had a Ukrainian accent, but smoother than the woman on the phone. Dorothy wondered how long she’d been in Scotland, if life was turning out as she expected. She was working as a cleaner, so probably not.

‘I’m a friend of Mr Glassman,’ Dorothy said. ‘You clean his house?’

Monika nodded. ‘Nice old gentleman. Hermitage. Big house, needs a lot of cleaning.’

‘I’ll bet. Listen, he found this.’

Dorothy pulled out an old bracelet that she’d taken from her dresser at home. It was silver, pretty, but not worth much, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn it.

‘After you visited to clean the other day. And he wondered if it was yours?’

Monika glanced at the bracelet but didn’t take it. Shook her head. ‘It’s not mine.’

‘Are you sure?’ Dorothy offered it up. ‘Please take a closer look. He was adamant.’

Monika looked annoyed. ‘I know what is my jewellery. This isn’t mine.’

‘Maybe from a previous visit.’

Monika narrowed her eyes and stared at Dorothy. ‘What did you say your name was?’

‘Dorothy.’

‘I never heard Mr Glassman mention you.’

‘Do you talk to him much when you’re there?’

Monika looked up and down the street. ‘Not really, I don’t have much time. Schedules are very tight.’

‘But you have spoken to him.’

‘Of course, he’s friendly. And a little lonely. He has no family nearby.’233

Dorothy realised she was still holding the bracelet, so she stuffed it into her cardigan pocket. ‘Do you think he’s managing OK in that big house?’

Monika shrugged. ‘It’s not my business. You are his friend.’

‘I think he’s been misplacing things. Forgetting things and becoming confused.’

Monika shook her head. ‘He is very sharp for his age. I do not think he is confused. Maybe you are confused.’

‘So what about this bracelet?’ Dorothy said.

‘I don’t have an answer,’ Monika said, looking back into the house. ‘Now please, I have to work.’