That explains why I can’t place her as a mother – her daughter must be at least eleven if she’s already left the school. She must be dedicated to Oxbury Primary if she’s still willing to be on the PTA.

‘I’m Anna,’ I say, ‘Laurel’s nanny.’

‘I know who you are.’ Her tone is short, and I look at her in surprise. ‘I mean . . . I’ve seen you with Laurel before. I didn’t introduce myself properly. I’m Ruth.’ She holds out a hand, with short, slightly grubby fingernails and I have to force myself to take it. I give it a brief shake and then drop it, resisting the urge to wipe my hands on my trousers. ‘This is so heartbreaking, isn’t it? I went to drama school with Fran briefly, years ago, not that I’m sure she’ll remember me.’ I have to force myself not to raise my eyebrows at this news – compared to Fran, Ruth doesn’t seem the drama school type at all. I realise she is still speaking. ‘Is there anything I can do for them?’ Ruth nods again in Fran and Dominic’s direction.

‘I don’t think there’s anything any of us can do,’ I say, sadly, fighting back the knot in my throat as I turn back to look at the lake. The police team are crowded at the water’s edge, while the Jessops are still held back by the crime tape. Fran’s face seems oddly calm and I wonder if she took something. I know she keeps sleeping tablets in her bathroom cabinet, and I’m pretty sure I saw a Valium bottle in there once when I was looking for a spare bottle of Calpol.

‘Well, let me know if I can help in any way. I have texted Fran but she hasn’t replied. Maybe I’ll drop off a casserole or something. I can’t imagine any of you feel like cooking.’ Ruth lays her grubby hand on my arm and I give her a small nod, even though I doubt we’ll touch any food she brings over – none of us have an appetite. She’s a little strange, but she seems harmless enough, and of course she’s interested in what’s happening, especially if she really does know Fran from years ago. It makes it all seem a little closer to home when something like this happens to someone you know. Laurel’s disappearance has rocked the whole community. Peering past her, I catch sight of a mane of honey-blonde hair, as the woman from the school hall I met on the day of the appeal is being held back by Kelly.