‘I realise that now, and I’m not above admitting I’ve made an error. When Declan’s sister came to see me, I managed to glean from her that her misinformation had come from Claudia. I connected the dots in a straight line back from Karin, to Claudia, to you. I see now that it was more a web with numerous strands, all connecting to our mutual friend. It would seem I underestimated Claudia Rothwell.’

‘I know how that feels,’ Leanne admitted.

‘I had thought you were her biggest fan.’

Leanne followed Phillipa’s gaze to the stack of newspapers. ‘I had her down as the reluctant hero. Not any more.’

‘She is quite a character, isn’t she? She tried so very hard to fit in after marrying Justin. Whenever we met, it was obvious she had done her homework, dressing in a way to compliment my style, exploring interests she knew I was passionate about, turning up in places she knew I frequented. I don’t mean to sound like a snob, and my reticence about Claudia has nothing to do with her background. It was simply that everything she did felt contrived.’

Leanne thought back to their first interview. Claudia had gone out of her way to appear relatable, right down to the instant coffee and Custard Creams.

‘I never felt as if I got to know the real Claudia,’ Phillipa continued, ‘but I’d say she’s starting to reveal her true colours now. She’s enjoying her elevated status, and I’ve reached the conclusion that she thinks she can keep it by undermining me.’

‘And that would be why Claudia made up this story about you and Declan?’

‘I’m pleased to hear you calling it a story,’ Phillipa said. She tipped her head towards the silver tray. ‘Now, how do you like your tea?’

Leanne dropped her rucksack on the floor. Her lips were parched, so she allowed Phillipa to play hostess. They had reached a truce of sorts if only because they shared a common adversary.

‘Would it be possible for you to do me a favour, Mrs Montgomery?’ Leanne asked, balancing her teacup on the saucer.

‘I’d certainly consider it.’

‘There’s a story in the Courier that I believe has been misreported. As you can imagine, not every witness I’ve spoken to has been as reliable as I would like,’ she said. She wouldn’t share specifics, but she hoped Phillipa would read between the lines. ‘It would help enormously if I had a better understanding of who was sitting where in the theatre. I noticed from the public inquiry that you were able to provide the investigators with seat locations for the victims. Would you have the whole picture?’