‘What did you say?’

‘I said the truth. Two years ago, one year and a half, some fighting but not now, for a long time. It’s better. Corinna and Josh – they were … good. Strong.’

‘Yes. That’s why I don’t believe what the police think, that Josh did this.’

Ana looked at her but said nothing.

‘What were they fighting about, two years ago?’

‘They didn’t fight with me in the house but I felt … In the air – atmosphere? And Peter told me.’

‘What did he say?’

‘Mum and dad shouting. Doors slamming. He was scared, thought they get divorce – his dad move out to different house, not see him.’

‘Did he say what they were fighting about?’

‘No.’

‘Did he ever tell you about any violence – hitting?’

‘No. He said one time Josh throw a glass.’

‘At Corinna?’

‘No.’ She pulled back, looking actually offended. ‘On the floor. Just to break it, make big noise.’

‘Ana, a few weeks ago, my dad said he saw her with a black eye. Is that right?’

‘Yes. She had black eye – all …’ She described a semi-circle with her hand, temple to mid-cheek.

‘Did she tell you how she got it?’

‘I said to the police when they come second time: she told me she fall on the stairs holding big hard books, from the library.’

‘Did that seem right to you?’

‘Yes. I didn’t see fighting, all happy. She told me stairs and books, I believed her.’

‘Did you ever see them fighting with anyone else? Was anyone angry with them or threatening them? Did Corinna or Peter ever seem scared?’

Ana took a long final drag on the cigarette then took it to a plant pot by the step. A sizzle as she dropped it in. ‘No. Like I told police, all was fine. Happy family.’

‘How about you? Did you ever feel scared at the house? Did you ever feel like something was wrong there?’

A hesitation so fleeting Robin almost missed it. Ana shook her head, emphatic. ‘No.’