I think of the woman in the story with her two sons. We’d argued it out in training. I’d said she should have told the truth and stood by her murdered son, but now I see that wasn’t an option when the other was still alive.

It’s not so clear-cut for me. Three of my family’s lives are hanging on threads and I’m the one holding the string.

Harwood tells me he is ready and asks me to start at the beginning of the evening.

Instead I dive into the middle and say, ‘Annie Webb drugged me.’

‘There was a high level of midazolam found in you and traces on one of the glasses. It’s used as a sedative,’ he adds when I look blank. ‘We’re aware of this, but it would be really helpful if you can tell me what happened in the lead-up to that.’

‘She told me she’d killed Iona,’ I say. My heart is pitter-pattering quickly, inside my chest. ‘And I found a note in her kitchen drawer. She was the one who sent me the threats. I don’t know what happened to the note.’

‘We found one partially written in her office,’ he tells me.

‘I thought of Annie as an aunt,’ I say sadly. Tears prick at my eyes. ‘I thought I could trust her. Has she admitted it? It wasn’t Danny.’

‘Ms Harvey, I really need you to start at the beginning of the evening.’ He’s trying to stay patient.

‘But Danny—’

‘Your brother’s already been released,’ Harwood says. ‘We didn’t have enough evidence to charge him and there were too many inconsistencies in his version of events.’

‘Oh!’ I hold a hand over my mouth. ‘He’s free?’

He nods. ‘We’ll be keeping an eye on him but he’s free.’ Harwood shuffles to the edge of his chair. ‘I know this isn’t great timing for you, but we really need you to tell us what happened. Annie Webb isn’t talking. She’s neither confirmed nor denied anything at the moment.’

‘She hasn’t admitted she did it?’

‘She hasn’t said a word. That’s why we need you to tell us exactly what you remember. Why she told you she killed Iona.’

‘She—’ I break off, screwing my eyes up.

Harwood nods encouragement. He thinks I’ve stopped because my memories are patchy, just like the nurse told me they would be.

In reality they’re crystal clear. I remember every part of my conversation with Annie, from her telling me Mum pushed Iona off a cliff to Annie having to clean up the mess Mum made. ‘She’s not said anything?’ I ask.