‘No,’ Ed said. ‘But I know you. I don’t think you’d be pursuing this crazy story unless you really believed there was something in it.’

It was so far from the reaction she’d expected, Dee wasn’t sure how to respond. A painful lump had appeared in her throat and she needed to swallow several times before she could speak.

‘What do I do now?’

‘Any chance you could let me look into this before you do anything else?’ Ed said.

‘You mean you want to help me?’

‘I mean, I’d like a bit of time to look into Annie’s background. Would that be okay?’

‘I guess.’

‘Great.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I’ve got to get going. I’m working the late shift today and I need to get back for that. Did you get the train? I can give you a lift if you want to?’

‘It’s okay,’ Dee said. ‘I’ve got a few more things to do before heading home.’

‘Promise me you’ll take care of yourself?’

‘Scout’s honour.’

‘You’d better.’ When he leaned down and kissed her cheek, it was all she could do not to grab him and hold him tight.

‘Hang on,’ she said, as he turned to go. ‘You never told me what you’re doing here today.’

‘You’re right.’ He smiled. ‘I never did. See you around, Dee.’

‘Hey!’ She shouted, but he kept walking. She didn’t bother chasing after him, knowing it was pointless. He’d already decided not to tell her, and nothing she did would get him to change his mind. Thankfully, the irritation replaced the vague sense of loss she’d felt right after he’d kissed her cheek. By the time he was out of sight, she was able to convince herself she was glad he was gone.

A few minutes later, she was back outside Annie’s house. This time, when she rang the doorbell, no one answered. Deciding to try some of the other houses, Dee walked along the terrace to the first house in the row and rang the doorbell.

An elderly man answered, peering suspiciously at Dee from behind a pair of the thickest glass spectacles Dee had ever seen.

‘I’m trying to find my cousin,’ Dee said. ‘I know she lives in this neighbourhood, but I’ve lost her address so I’m trying all the houses on this street until I find hers.’

‘Sounds a bit dodgy if you ask me,’ the man said. ‘My daughter’s always telling me not to trust people who turn up at the house unannounced. Scammers, she calls them. How do I know this isn’t some scam?’

‘It’s no scam,’ Dee said. ‘Her name’s Annie. She’s early thirties, with short blond hair. Does anyone who looks like that live on this street?’