‘You ready for this?’ Anna asked, as she got in the car and pulled the seatbelt over her chest.

‘As I’ll ever be,’ Lizzie said, her voice monotone. Then she added, ‘I’m keen to get some answers, to find out who the “someone” is who knows where she is.’

‘Oh, there’s been another since that one,’ Anna said. ‘It was the other arm. The note read, “Someone has to confess. Now! Your time is running out.” One more to go?’

‘Christ. Well, I hope that is the case. As much as I enjoy unearthing my stories, I must admit, this has been too close to home. I’d quite like it to be over now.’

‘Oh, me too. I’m done with Mapledon.’

Lizzie gave Anna a weak smile. ‘Thank you,’ she said.

‘What for?’

‘Believing it’s not me attaching Polly’s limbs to your door.’ Lizzie’s eyes glistened. But she blinked rapidly and reversed the car sharply, driving back out of Muriel’s road without saying more. Anna didn’t respond. She couldn’t very well tell her that she still had doubts. She also refrained from mentioning the new camera. Trust had to be earned, and she wasn’t sure Lizzie had reached that level yet. One more day, or night, and she would be sure.

Lizzie parked in front of Brook Cottage Store and Anna got out. Lizzie didn’t move.

‘You coming in?’ Anna asked, ducking down to look at her.

Lizzie blew air from her puffed-up cheeks. ‘Yep. I guess so.’

‘What’s the matter? It’s like you don’t want to do this. If you want me to go—’

‘No, no. I do. I’m just working myself up to it.’

Anna frowned as Lizzie finally exited the car.

‘It’s difficult, Anna – revisiting demons I’d suppressed so much that I don’t have a memory of them anymore. It’s like opening an old, deep cut.’

‘Yes, you’re right. That’s exactly what we’re doing.’

The two women made their way around the side of the shop, to the accommodation behind, and rang the bell. Nothing.

‘Could they both be working in the shop?’ Lizzie asked.

They went back around the front, Anna walking into the shop first, Lizzie hanging back reluctantly.

‘Afternoon, Nell,’ Anna said. Nell Andrews was standing at the end of the nearest aisle, pulling items forward to the front of the shelf.

‘Hello, Bella. I’d heard you were back.’ Nell turned to face her. ‘Oops, sorry. Robert did tell me that you prefer Anna now. How’s everything, love? Mum okay?’ she said brightly.

‘Yes, she’s doing all right, thanks. Are you feeling better?’

Nell gave her a quizzical glance before answering, ‘Oh, er … yes. Thank you.’

‘That’s good. Is Rob about?’

‘In the storeroom. What do you want him for?’ Her tone changed immediately.

Anna was taken aback by her abruptness. ‘Oh, just a quick catch-up. But hoping he can help with something too, before I head back home.’

Nell’s brow creased. ‘Well, I guess I could spare him. But I can’t sort the delivery on my own, and that’s due any minute, so …’