‘Been better actually, you know.’ I was shivering with cold and distress, aware that we were attracting attention in the street now. The van driver’s eyes were practically popping out of his head as he dropped a crate; the clementines rolled like small missiles into the road, nearly bringing down an old lady who was trundling past.

‘Shame.’ She shook her head sadly at the wreath, and trundled on.

‘Let’s go inside, shall we?’ Gently Seb propelled me towards the doorway. ‘It’s freezing out here. You can call the police upstairs.’

I shook my head vehemently. ‘No police. Not yet.’

Seb frowned. ‘Why not?’

‘Just because. It’s nothing, I’m sure.’ I started up the stairs, my mind ticking over furiously. ‘What are they going to do about it anyway?’

‘Er – find out who did it?’

‘It’s just some random nutter, Seb.’

‘Oh really? Doesn’t look particularly random to me. And what do you mean “not yet”?’ He looked at me closely. ‘You know who did this, don’t you?’

‘No.’ I flopped onto a kitchen chair, my voice tight and strained. Digby placed his front paws on my knee and stared up at me beseechingly. ‘I really hope not anyway.’

Seb switched the kettle on. ‘So who might it be?’

Shakily I stroked Digby’s head. ‘Fine guard-dog you are, mate.’

‘Maggie,’ Seb’s voice was urgent, ‘whoever it is, and you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to – well, it isn’t good, is it?’

‘No, obviously. But I don’t know who did it.’ Like a monstrous worm a horrible thought was inching into my consciousness. ‘I wish I did.’

‘So call the police then. Otherwise I will.’

The police. Other than a brief statement after the crash, I hadn’t encountered the police since – since the summer. My lost summer. My stomach heaved; I stood up quickly. ‘Sorry. Excuse me –’

In the bathroom I stood queasily over the basin until I felt a little better. My reflection showed a ghostly white face, my freckles livid against my pallor, my eyes round and glassy blue with fear.

‘Maggie?’ Seb was outside the door.

‘I’m fine, really.’ But my voice came out a whisper. I felt hunted.

‘Maggie, please, let me in. I’m worried about you.’

I smoothed my maddened hair down as if it would soothe my nerves, and sprayed some perfume on. My hands were still shaking; it was a bit like having the DTs. The summer flashed through my head again. Oh God. I plucked open the bathroom door and tried to smile at Seb.

‘Great first date, eh? At least someone’s warned you what I’m really like.’

‘Don’t be silly.’ Seb pulled me towards him and hugged me. ‘It’s obviously bollocks. I don’t believe a word of it.’