‘I have a new witness who saw her reach safety, then turn around and go back inside.’

There was a spark in Mal’s eyes. ‘Claudia went back? Into the auditorium?’

‘It’s possible, but I’d hate to make assumptions,’ Leanne said, raising an eyebrow. She was stinging from Mal’s earlier criticism, but she had other reservations too. ‘My witness only recognised Claudia from the paper and, given how they were all covered in dust, it might be a case of mistaken identity.’

‘But if it was her,’ Mal said, ‘it would explain how she was exposed to the levels of smoke that led to her miscarriage.’

‘The question is, why would she go back?’ added Frankie. ‘She was on her own. She wouldn’t be searching for someone in particular.’

‘Unless she had seen Amelia waiting for her mum,’ Mal said, finishing the thought for her. ‘Does she meet the description we have, Leanne?’

‘If by that you mean, is she an adult female between five foot seven and eight with a nice voice, then yes, she matches the description.’

‘You know, the more interviews Claudia has given, the more you realise she’s the type to put herself at risk for the sake of others,’ Mal said.

Leanne pouted. ‘She also comes across as the kind of person who would have come forward by now to keep herself in the limelight.’

‘And you’re coming across as someone who doesn’t want Claudia’s actions celebrated because of her association with Phillipa,’ Mal said just as quickly. ‘I can’t believe you were ready to dismiss this. I’m worried your judgement has become clouded. It’s becoming a real concern, Leanne.’

He had a point. Leanne had convinced herself it was gut instinct that made her discount Claudia, but was it a matter of simply not wanting it to be her?

‘Is it possible that Claudia had seen Amelia earlier on?’ Frankie asked, breaking the stalemate. ‘Where was she sitting?’

‘All I know is that she was in the stalls.’

Frankie looked thoughtful. ‘I’m surprised she wasn’t upstairs in the VIP area.’

‘She was a mystery shopper who was expected to mingle with the average punters.’

‘Or else Phillipa didn’t think she deserved to be in the posh seats because of her less than privileged background,’ mused Frankie.

It was a possibility Leanne had chosen not to dwell upon. It was harder to keep that chip on her shoulder if she considered Claudia to be one of Phillipa’s rejects. Leanne’s judgement really was skewed.

‘Either way, the evidence is stacking up, assuming your witness is to be believed,’ Mal said. ‘Who is it, Leanne?’ His eyes narrowed into slits. ‘Please don’t say it’s your Mrs Brody again.’

Leanne clenched everything. This was another reason she had kept quiet. ‘No, it’s Beth McCulloch.’