‘I think poor Hardy is embarrassed by his lack of progress. He’s an efficient policeman and a good man and he doesn’t like to see this kind of enquiry left unresolved, because it makes everybody jittery. Besides, he’s been a family friend for years.’

‘I thought perhaps Hannah was holding back for fear of scaring me. In case I’d change my mind and stay in Ireland.’ Sarah kept her tone light but she felt cold whenever she thought of the robbery. She still woke up in the small hours, hearing the shots, convinced that Piet had been killed, seeing Camilla’s face smeared with blood, overwhelmed by the same helpless panic that had taken hold as they fought to keep Lars from bleeding to death.

‘The inspector still favours the theory that Piet is the victim of a vendetta,’ Anthony said.

‘That’s a hideous idea. I mean, who, or why?’

‘God only knows. Piet certainly doesn’t have a clue. But there are good things to report too. The lodge is looking spectacular. We should have a good season coming up. Hannah has plenty of bookings.’

Weariness overcame Sarah and she dozed off. When they pulled up at the farm, Hannah was on the steps to welcome her. They walked down the verandah to the guest bedroom, talking about inconsequential things, circled by three young ridgeback dogs, tails waving at maximum speed, eyes full of curiosity.

‘These are the new members of the family,’ Hannah said, laughing. ‘They’re a menace – chewing everything in sight. But Jeremy has arranged for them to have basic police training. They go to school every morning. Just watch your shoes, or anything else you might think of leaving on the floor. Kamau has made a special “welcome home” lunch. So you’re obliged to eat it, whether you’re hungry or not.’

‘Oh, here’s Lars.’ Sarah saw him walking across the lawn, and she went out to greet him with pleasure. He seemed fully recovered.

‘Welcome back,’ he said. ‘I thought you might be delayed by muddy roads, but you and Anthony seem to have chased away the rain. Come and have a beer when you’re ready.’ He was looking at Hannah, who had not acknowledged him. She turned away without speaking. Sarah unpacked, wondering if there had been some disagreement between them about the farm. Hannah had said that she would not be sidelined. It was obviously an ongoing battle, or a skirmish at least. Sarah was smiling as she made her way to the sitting room. It felt good to be back there, but the gaps on the shelves, where Lottie’s family treasures had been, made her shiver.

‘Any news from Piet yet?’ she asked, to mask her unease.