‘Well …’ And Jude found herself retelling the strange circumstances of Bill Shefford’s death. It was quite a relief to talk about to it to people who knew little of the individuals involved (though Karen did vaguely remember Bill from filling up with fuel at Shefford’s). It was also, in a way she did not quite like to define, a relief to be in discussion with someone other than Carole about it. Jude also found talking the narrative through helped clarify her own thinking on the case.

‘Ooh, I like it,’ said Chrissie.

‘Yes,’ Karen agreed. ‘Plenty of suspects.’

Jude twisted her lips wryly. ‘But still no proof it was murder.’

‘No, but it’s much more fun if we assume it is.’

‘Maybe.’

‘This healer guy you mention,’ said Chrissie, ‘called Jeremiah …?’

‘Yes?’

‘Tall guy … good-looking … deep voice?’

‘That’s a pretty good description. Why, do you know him?’

‘I did meet a feller like that at another healing conference. I’m talking years back.’

‘And …?’

‘And …’ Chrissie looked conflicted and exchanged a look with Karen. ‘I’m afraid I can’t really talk about it.’

‘Oh?’

‘It concerns a client I was treating at the time.’

‘Ah. Fully understand.’ It was frustrating, but when it came to matters of client confidentiality, Jude knew the rules.

‘Incidentally,’ said Karen. ‘Some people we knew in Ilkley recently moved down to Fethering.’

‘Oh really?’

‘Name of Greenford. Adrian and Gwyneth. Wondered if you might have come across them …?’

‘I know who they are. My neighbour Carole has had more to do with them than I have.’

‘Well, if you want some choice Ilkley gossip,’ said Chrissie, ‘there’s plenty about them.’

‘I’ll just get another bottle. This one seems unaccountably to have emptied itself,’ said Jude, rising to put her words into action. ‘Then you can give me all the dirt.’

When she was back from the bar and the three glasses were full of Sauvignon Blanc, she looked expectantly at Chrissie, who took a deep breath and started, ‘Well, I’m not sure whether this could be claimed by the Me Too movement or whether it’s a case of old-fashioned marital jealousy …’

‘Good opening,’ said Jude.

‘… but the Greenfords certainly got Ilkley talking.’

‘Which,’ said Karen, ‘as we’ve indicated is not a terribly difficult thing to do.’

‘Look, who’s telling this story?’ asked Chrissie, mock-aggrieved. ‘Don’t forget your place. You’re a relative newcomer to Ilkley.’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Karen, miming the action as she said the words, ‘I will zip my lip.’