Kelly had cried and hugged her. They’d hugged each other. From then on, there was little or no tension between them. She also noticed that her father was more relaxed when she was calmer, and they didn’t argue as much. Josie had felt overwhelmed when she realised the power she’d held over her dad’s relationship and she felt guilty.

She poked her head into the fridge and opened the drawers. Her dad ate too much salad. She smiled to herself. That was the other mystery about adults: the amount of fresh vegetables and fruit they ate. She reached to the back of the shelf where she knew she’d find a strawberry milkshake and a chocolate mousse. She took them to the lounge and looked at her phone. She had three Snapchats from Callum. They’d arranged to meet in Keswick and it meant that Josie had time to go shopping with Ted. It was an INSET training day at school and they had the day off. They were due to meet at midday, outside the outdoor wear shop on the market square.

She scrolled through her notifications and finished her snack: Ted would buy her lunch later. Then she’d see Callum.

A call from her dad came through and she answered brightly. ‘Hi Dad.’

‘Josie? Where are you?’

‘At home, I’m getting the bus to Keswick soon. I’m meeting Ted, remember?’

‘Yes, I do. It’s just that Kelly called me and told me that there was a woman found dead near Thirlmere this morning.’

‘Ugh! And why are you telling me, Dad? That’s gross.’

‘So you will remember to be careful. Don’t take any risks and always tell me where you are.’

‘Of course, I always do.’

‘What time is your climb?’

‘Three p.m.’

‘And where is Callum meeting you?’

‘At the club.’

‘I’ll pick you up from there.’

‘Dad! I was going to go to Nando’s with Callum tonight.’

‘I’m sorry, Josie, not at the moment. He can come and have dinner with us. I’d like to meet him properly anyway. I’m sorry for last time. I’ll drive him home. With two murders in two weeks, I want to know where you are every second of the day until somebody is caught.’

‘Kelly has probably already got him.’

‘I’m sure she’s close, but until then, you’re not going out at night.’

‘For God’s sake, Dad! I’m not a baby. I can take care of myself!’

‘Right. Of course you can. A six foot bloke bundles you into the back of a van and knocks you out, and you reckon you could get out of that situation, what? With your phone?’