I hear footsteps right outside the door, which I left ajar when I came in, and the thud of bolts sliding back on the front door. I crouch down low, in case Thea or her visitor glances in here. There is a brief silence.

‘You!’ Thea says, anger clear in her voice.

‘Yes, Thea. I’m back.’ It is a man’s voice, thick with a northern accent, and there is nothing friendly in his tone. ‘I told you I’m not going to give up – I’ve been telling you that for a whole year. This time I’m not going to be fobbed off. I’m not going anywhere until I’ve seen her. Now get out of my way.’

‘Are you really going to use force against an old woman, Vincent? Surely not even you would stoop so low.’

I hear an exasperated sigh. ‘Not unless you leave me no choice, but you can’t stop me shouting for her. Even in this house, if I shout long enough and loud enough she’ll come. She’ll see me, talk to me.’

‘She has no desire to see you – not now, nor ever again.’ I hear the fury in Thea’s voice. ‘She’s told me not to let you in. She doesn’t want anything from you. It’s over, Vincent. You’re done.’

The man speaks in a low growl, and I can only just pick up his words, although the tone speaks for itself. ‘You’re lying. She’s my wife. She would never have left me without an explanation.’

There is a bit of a scuffle and Thea gives a small yelp. Should I go to her aid? Is he hurting her?

‘Give over. I didn’t hurt you.’ His voice is closer. He must have got past her.

‘Get out of my house,’ she says, anger and determination in her voice.

‘She’s going to have to tell me herself if she wants a divorce. I’m not taking your word for it.’ Then the man yells, ‘Judith! It’s Vincent! I’ve come to get you. We’re going home. Judith!’

CHAPTER 43

43

My thighs are beginning to ache from crouching for so long, but the man who calls himself Vincent has finally left, promising to be back very soon. Which Judith was he searching for? The one I’ve been speaking to has only been here since November, so it has to be the older woman. Is she the original Judith, and Vincent her husband?

After Thea slammed the door on him, I heard her stomp off to her kitchen, muttering to herself. I could tell the incident had disturbed her, but I’m sure she would be furious if she knew I had heard everything.