Leanne wanted to take Claudia’s evasion as further confirmation that she was no hero, but could anyone be expected to recall what jewellery they had been wearing on the night of the fire? Actually, Leanne could. It was the eternity symbol she wore now. Lois’s gift.

‘Well, thank you for delivering this.’ Claudia stepped away.

‘Did Phillipa tell you I interviewed her?’

Claudia spun around. ‘An interview? When?’

‘Last week. I must say I was surprised when she agreed to see me.’ Leanne laughed as if the next thought tickled her. ‘She seemed to think you and I were best friends.’

‘Why on earth would she think that?’ Claudia asked. Realising she had made the suggestion sound like an insult, she quickly backtracked. ‘Not that I’m saying we haven’t developed a bond of sorts. You were the one who persuaded me to admit I saved Amelia, after all. I would never have come forward if it weren’t for you.’

Leanne didn’t flinch. ‘Oh, I don’t think I should be taking any credit for that particular story.’

Claudia waited for Leanne to explain why she had spoken to Phillipa, and when she didn’t, she was forced to ask, ‘What did you and Phillipa discuss?’

‘She mentioned you may have been talking to another survivor – Karin Gallagher. Have you?’

‘None of your business,’ said Claudia. Her hand reached for the car door. ‘What I mean is, I speak to many survivors who have contacted the charity, but it’s in the strictest of confidence. I can’t confirm or deny who we’ve been supporting.’

‘Did you know Karin tracked Phillipa down after the findings were published? She accused her of having an affair with her brother and implied the information had come from you. Phillipa presumed I was the original source.’

‘And what did you tell her?’

‘The truth,’ Leanne answered, wondering if Claudia recognised the word. ‘That you told me.’

‘This is ridiculous. I don’t know why I’m getting the blame,’ Claudia said, a little too petulantly. She had visibly paled. ‘I might have indulged in a bit of gossip, but can you blame me? You made me realise how Phillipa deserves to take some responsibility for the fire. Why should I care about protecting her reputation? She killed my baby.’

‘So you made up a story to get back at her?’

‘I didn’t make it up. Who’s to say it’s not true? Everyone knew how secretive Declan could be, and he did have quite a track record. He slept with his wife’s own sister for goodness’ sake.’

Leanne wasn’t listening. ‘But as we know, you are good at making up stories.’

Claudia wiped the sheen of sweat from her upper lip.