Under the trees, winter felt oddly close, with a dampness in the air that spoke of frosts and late-night mists. The dirt track they followed was riddled with muddy puddles, and Heather found herself concentrating so hard on walking on the drier areas that it was a surprise when they emerged out under the sky again. The grass was thick and overgrown, quickly turning the cuffs of Heather’s jeans dark with moisture. As they approached the trees on the far side, they saw that the woods were much thicker and darker, the path a little more overgrown. All of which made it something of a surprise, ten minutes later, to emerge onto a neatly manicured lawn with a well-maintained house sitting at the heart of it. More trees curled around the back of the house, which was built with dark grey stone similar to that of Fiddler’s Mill House itself, and on the gravel drive out front stood a sturdy-looking green Land Rover, mud on its wheels. Next to it was a smaller, more modern car, and as they watched the front door of the house opened and an older woman emerged dressed in a dark green raincoat, a large carry-all clutched in both hands. She looked straight at them, clearly startled, and then leaned back inside the door. They heard her speak, but did not catch what she said, and then the woman climbed into the smaller yellow car and drove away – there was a proper paved road on the far side of the grounds, disappearing into more trees.

‘We’ve been spotted,’ said Heather, unnecessarily.

As they walked towards the house, a shadow appeared at the door, not quite emerging into the light. When they were on the gravel drive, Heather could see it was a hunched old man, much older than the woman who had disappeared in the yellow car. He was watching them come, while leaning on a walking stick. There was a linoleum floor in the hallway, a green vine pattern against a sickly yellow background.

‘Good morning!’ Heather lifted her hand in greeting, but the man’s only response was to tip his head slightly to one side. Next to her, Nikki leaned in close and murmured in her ear.

‘Let’s just keep walking and go up that road. I don’t think they like strangers round here.’