In the early days of their courtship, Justin had enjoyed introducing Claudia to a lifestyle vastly different from her own, but the novelty had worn off and her new husband was away on business more and more often. He knew Claudia was capable of establishing a new life without further handholding, but what was the point if he wasn’t around to cheer her on? Claudia had felt lost and abandoned, and there was Declan, shining a light towards her with one of those stupid key rings. A thousand butterflies had taken flight in her stomach.

Saliva filled Claudia’s mouth at the memory, and she thought she might be sick.

‘I can’t say I ever saw this torch of Claudia’s,’ Justin was saying, ‘but I’m glad she had it.’

‘I dread to think what else they carry around in their handbags,’ Robert said with a wink.

Phillipa gave a throaty chuckle. ‘There are some things you’re better off not knowing.’

Claudia was tiring of their battle of wits. If Phillipa had invited her over to watch her squirm, then she had succeeded. Hopefully, it was enough to settle the score. It would have to be, because right now Claudia needed to choose her battles, and this wasn’t one of them. ‘I’ll drink to that,’ she said, reaching for her wine to signal a truce. Her glass was empty. It felt like a bad omen.

27

When Leanne finally persuaded Carole Brody to agree to another interview, she wasn’t on the hunt for more information on Claudia, but she did want to know more about the two women who had occupied her seats. They were the proof that Claudia wasn’t where she had claimed to be, and if Leanne could prove one lie, the rest would fall like dominoes. Or that was what she hoped as Carole opened the door.

‘Thanks for agreeing to see me.’

Carole’s face was creased with wrinkles. ‘Come in.’

There was no offer of refreshments and, although the house was warm, Leanne didn’t take off her coat.

‘I want to put this all behind me,’ Carole said, wringing her hands.

‘I know, and I’m sorry for making you go over it again, but if I’ve learnt one thing in the last year, it’s that you can have six hundred people experience the same thing and every one will tell a different story. I wasn’t there, but even I came up with my own version of events, and it’s one I’m currently rewriting. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you.’

Carole pressed the tips her fingers to her lips.

‘I don’t mean to upset you, Carole.’

‘Ignore me, I’m being silly,’ she said, but her voice wobbled. ‘I never could hold back my emotions. Too sensitive for my own good.’

‘You care too much about others. It’s like your superpower.’