Anna focuses on the first dog and realises that she hasn’t even had time to feel scared. Not until now. Three metres to go. Two.

Suddenly the sound of a shrill whistle slices through the air. The German Shepherds stop dead, turn around and run back in the direction from which they came. Milo carries on barking until they are out of sight.

Anna, Agnes and Lisa exchange relieved glances. After a while they hear the rustle of leaves and see two people in hats and long coats coming through the trees, each with a German Shepherd on a leash. It’s Bruno and Marie Sordi. Milo starts growling.

‘Oh, it’s you,’ Marie says. ‘We heard a loud bang, almost like an explosion.’

‘I went into a deep pothole on the track,’ Anna explains.

‘I’m sorry to hear that – you have to be careful up here. Dad drove into one a couple of years ago when he was searching for a retriever that had run off, and he damaged a shock absorber. Had to be towed home. I hope the boys didn’t scare you?’ She gestures towards the dog by her left-hand side. ‘There isn’t usually anyone around at this time of year – it’s too cold and windy for picnics.’

‘No problem. You seem to have them well under control.’

‘Castor and Pollux are both obedience champions.’

The dogs are keeping a watchful eye on the strangers. Agnes is still clutching Milo in her arms. His teeth are bared, his hackles raised. As soon as one of the German Shepherds moves, he growls.

‘This must be your daughter,’ Marie says, with a friendly nod to Agnes. ‘That’s a fine little terrier you have there – and brave! How old is he?’

‘Two. His name is Milo.’

‘Have you taken him to any obedience classes?’

‘No. My dad and I were going to take him together, but . . .’ Agnes falls silent, glances at her mother. ‘We didn’t get around to it.’

Marie nods, tilts her head slightly to one side.

‘Very sad, that business with your dad,’ she says, looking at Anna. Her tone and expression make it clear that she is talking about the internal investigation and the newspaper article.

‘If you’re interested, both you and your mum are very welcome to the working dogs’ club,’ Marie goes on. ‘We run a beginners’ course on Mondays and Thursdays. Bruno and I are trainers.’

Agnes’s face lights up. ‘That sounds good, doesn’t it, Mum?’

Anna nods, wondering exactly how welcome she will be after Monday’s interviews.

‘And who’s this?’ Marie turns to Lisa, politely curious.

‘My name is Lisa Savic.’ Lisa looks as if she would like to step forward and shake hands, but the dogs are putting her off.

‘Hi, Lisa. I’m Marie Sordi, and this is my husband, Bruno. I can tell from your accent that you’re not from around here.’