‘For the same reason as Leanne. It’s a gut feeling.’

‘I’m not pulling the story based on a gut feeling,’ Mal said. ‘We launched the search for Amelia’s rescuer and the only person to come forward was Claudia. Quite frankly, I don’t care if she is or isn’t the person who actually saved the girl. The only alternative is that the real hero is amongst the dead, and she’s not exactly going to come back from the grave to dispute Claudia’s claim now, is she?’ His cheeks glowed with the effects of alcohol and frustration.

‘So that’s it? We let Claudia get away with this?’

Mal sank into his chair. ‘You have to move on at some point, Leanne.’

‘And I will,’ she said, putting down her drink. ‘But I’ll be the one to decide when that should be.’

‘No,’ Mal said. ‘You’ve worked hard on this, but I was wrong to let you become so involved. You need to take some time out.’

‘I’m fine,’ she hissed.

‘No, you’re not, and this isn’t a request,’ Mal said softly. ‘You haven’t taken any leave for months. I want you to go home to your family, and let someone look after you for a while. I don’t want to see you back here until you’re able to see things rationally.’

15

The inner sanctum of the spa was warm and humid, the lights dim, and the air filled with the sound of distant waterfall and birdsong. Claudia was being transported to another world, although it would be more accurate to say she had finally arrived, and in her home town no less. The journey had been arduous, but she couldn’t have been happier as she settled against the undulating curves of the day lounger.

Her fluffy white robe slipped off her shoulder, revealing recently buffed skin that smelled of neroli and orange blossom. Or was it ylang-ylang and sweet geranium? Claudia didn’t care. The therapist had tailored her treatment to promote her well-being based on her current needs. They had gone through a detailed assessment upon arrival, and Claudia wished she could have bottled the expression on the therapist’s face when she realised Claudia was the Claudia Rothwell.

She was still smiling when she said, ‘I could get used to this.’

‘If anyone deserves it, you do,’ Bryony told her.

Her friend was sprawled out on the lounger next to her, but this wasn’t such a novelty for Bryony. As a regular, she was on first-name terms with the staff at the Three Pheasants spa, but she was enjoying Claudia’s reaction.

‘Stop, or you’ll make me cry,’ Claudia said, wafting a hand in front of her face as tears pricked her eyes.