‘She gave me some massage oil to try, so I took it off. I did think it was weird but, you know, I thought she was a friend. It was just a trick, wasn’t it? I watched her put the chain down, but when I looked later, the pendant was missing. I searched everywhere. I was on my hands and knees on the kitchen floor looking under the cupboards. I even emptied the bin,’ Karin babbled. ‘Beth wouldn’t help. She says Claudia stole it, but she doesn’t know why. Do you? Is it because Declan gave it to me? Why would Claudia be that cruel? It means nothing to anyone else.’

And it shouldn’t mean anything to Claudia, thought Leanne. Unless she knew it was Karin who saved Amelia.

‘I thought she was a good person,’ Karin continued. Her words remained slurred, but there was an edge to her voice. Confusion had been replaced by anger.

‘So did I once,’ Leanne said.

There was a gulp as Karin downed more of her drink. ‘It’s wrong, it’s all so wrong.’

Leanne wasn’t sure how much more information Karin was capable of absorbing, but she couldn’t be allowed to talk herself out of her fury. Leanne had to keep up the momentum. ‘Did Beth mention what else we discussed?’

‘Is this about the torch thingy? You know I had one,’ she said. ‘But why does it matter?’

‘Why do you think it matters?’

‘I don’t know,’ Karin said too quickly. ‘I lost mine. Guess I used it in the theatre. I didn’t have my phone with me, but I remember light being flashed in my eyes. It could have been a paramedic, I suppose, or someone at the hospital.’ Her voice was growing louder. ‘I don’t know. I can’t remember!’ She released a howl of frustration.

‘It’s OK, Karin, I will help you get there,’ Leanne promised. ‘If you’ll let me, I’d like to introduce you to someone who remembers you. She’s recognised the pendant Declan gave you.’

‘Who?’ Karin said. ‘Is it the little girl?’

‘You remember her?’

Karin refused to answer.

‘She’s real, Karin. That memory you’re pushing away is real.’

Again, Leanne was met with silence. Karin needed time to sober up. ‘Can we talk again tomorrow?’

‘I need to speak to Beth first.’

‘Would it help if I spoke to her? Could you give me her number? I bet she’s as confused as you, but together we can work out what is the most likely truth. It’s the best I can offer.’

‘You want Beth’s number?’ Karin repeated numbly.

‘Please.’