Fran traced her finger down the page. There. The evil eye is a curse or legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they are unaware.

Fran stared. Was someone trying to curse Lily? Or the whole family? Should she say something? She shook herself. She was being silly – it was all nonsense. Nobody believed in curses and evil eyes, Fran decided, as she closed the book and tuned back into Zara. There was no need to say anything.

Three weeks later, that thought came back to haunt her.

17

June 2018

IT’S ALMOST TIME TO collect Sophie from preschool and I’m still trying to work out how best to ask Cora the questions about Lily. She’ll more than likely be at work right now, and I don’t know her well enough to phone her out of the blue, so I opt for a message instead.

Hi Cora, so nice to do coffee yesterday. I hope you don’t mind me asking but I found some interesting stuff online about Lily Murphy, rumours that she had a long-term illness and people used to call her ‘Lila’ as a nickname – do you know if any of that is true? Susie (my MIL) and Fran Burke next door couldn’t remember but thought you might know. Joanna x

The blue ticks are immediate. Then Cora is typing. Then Cora is online. And again, Cora is typing. This continues for so long, it’s time to pick up Sophie. Cora’s answer finally comes through as I’m walking up the driveway of Sophie’s preschool.

Hi Joanna. As mentioned, I won’t talk about that morning. But if you say you’re asking your questions to others as well, I’ll take you at your word. I don’t remember any nickname. Or illness. Sorry can’t be of more assistance. Cora.

I can’t help wondering how it took her fifteen minutes to compose a message that’s basically ‘sorry, no’ but perhaps if she’s at work, she’s trying to type without being seen. Either way, it’s another dead end.

A message from Susie pops up on my phone just as I’m about to walk through the nursery doors.

Hi Joanna, I found some old photographs and videos from Mark’s childhood. Some pics of neighbours and Lily Murphy there too. Call by when you can and I’ll show you, Sx

A fizz of anticipation bubbles up as I type the reply.

I can come tonight or tomorrow morning when kids at school?

Her response is swift.

Sorry, out tonight and golf tomorrow. Maybe Friday morning?

It will have to do.

Two hours later, I have all three kids and we’re walking back to Rowanbrook with Adana and her three, for an impromptu coffee and playdate. This is the part of being at home I like most. The afternoons supervising homework, less so. As soon as this thought hits, I feel guilty. The whole point of taking time out from work is to spend afternoons supervising homework, and five weeks is a little soon for the novelty to wear off.