In terms of her investigation, Leanne was very much at the zigzagging stage and no closer to knowing what the final outcome would be. When she had spoken to Carole Brody earlier in the week, she had been expecting some form of answer, only to be given another question. And a subsequent call from Joe had thrown something new into the mix. He had done some digging of his own and had uncovered another anomaly; a discrepancy between a younger Claudia and her public persona.

Using the sleeve of her jacket to wipe the window, Leanne could see Claudia’s Mercedes through the security gates. She had been staking out the apartment for two hours, and had positioned herself in the passenger seat of her Fiesta so she could get some work done on her laptop. It would be pointless ringing the intercom, just as it had been pointless waiting for her calls to be answered. Claudia no longer trusted Leanne, and with good reason. Whatever the outcome and whatever the protests from Mal, Leanne would not be writing any more positive pieces about Mrs Rothwell. She didn’t deserve it.

As time crawled, Leanne’s laptop went into sleep mode; her sleeve became sodden from wiping the window, and her hopes of a confrontation dwindled. She had lost sleep rehearsing how this would go, and it could all be for nothing.

Leanne checked her watch for what she decided would be the last time, when she heard the clatter of metal as the gates hummed into life. She could see only the bonnet of Claudia’s Mercedes, but the car was moving. She snapped shut her laptop and slid it into the footwell before grabbing an envelope.

As Leanne took up position in front of the partly opened gates, vapour issued forth from her nostrils as if she were a fire-breathing dragon. She was ready for this, unlike Claudia, who had been driving slowly towards the gates when she spotted Leanne. The car juddered to a halt and Claudia’s mouth fell open, only to snap shut again as the reporter approached.

Leanne stepped into the path of the Mercedes. If Claudia chose to stay behind the wheel, Leanne’s questions would be shouted at her, or she could preserve some dignity and get out of the car. Wisely, she chose the latter.

‘What do you want?’ Claudia demanded. Her dark hair had been tied back into a tight ponytail that sharpened her features. She was in her gym gear and pulled her hoodie tight across her chest.

‘A little chat, that’s all.’

‘I’m rather busy. Can we do this another time?’

Leanne considered the request. ‘Erm, no.’

Claudia took a deep breath and attempted a smile that cut a sharp line across her face. ‘So how can I help you, Leanne?’

‘I’ve been continuing my investigations.’