‘Then I’m afraid he’s been murdered. They must have informed his next of kin, otherwise they wouldn’t have released his details. Does he have family?’

I nod again, staring blankly ahead of me. Ian’s parents will be devastated. Oh God, what is happening to me?

‘The situation is rather worse than I had hoped,’ Thea continued, her voice sombre. ‘They have named the person they are looking for in connection with his murder.’ She paused. ‘I’m sorry, Judith, but I’m afraid it’s you.’

I turn towards her and shake my head slowly from side to side. ‘I didn’t do anything, Thea. I would have remembered if I had. I need to go to the police and tell them.’

Thea nods. ‘If that’s what you want. But I will have to give them the hammer and tell them about the blood. You do realise that, don’t you?’

I thrust the bedclothes away from my legs and jump out of bed. ‘Can I see what they’re saying on the television?’

‘I’m so sorry, we don’t have a television. And the radio will only confirm what I’m telling you.’

I pace backwards and forwards, my hands clasped at the back of my neck. This is madness. I wouldn’t kill anyone, not even Ian. They must have got it wrong.

‘You were very angry yesterday, Judith, and you told the doctor that Ian had no place on this earth. Don’t forget that you wished him dead on more than one occasion.’

I stare at her, horrified. ‘That doesn’t mean that I would have actually killed him!’ I cry.

Thea says nothing and puts her head on one side as if asking a question.

I haven’t got a clue what to do. Not only am I appalled by what’s happened to Ian, I feel guilty about bringing all of this down on Thea and Garrick. What the hell must they think of me? I spin round and face her.

‘I’m so very sorry that this has happened while I’m staying with you. Obviously I’ll get out of here. I can’t get you involved. Please give me the clothes and the hammer. I’m going to have to talk to the police.’

Thea’s brow wrinkles. She looks at me then glances at the full mug of tea, now stone cold. ‘You didn’t drink your tea. Have you slept at all?’

‘No. I didn’t want to sleep. I wanted to think.’

She makes an irritated tutting sound, the only sign of disapproval I have ever had from her. ‘You’re not thinking straight. You should have done what I said.’