‘Friendships often grow from tragedy,’ Angie said. ‘And even adults have some growing up to do sometimes.’

Anna badly wanted to contradict Angie’s statement – she hadn’t experienced a great deal of tragedy, but the one she had, had lost her a friend, not gained her one. She did, however, agree on her latter point. Instead of debating it, though, she thought she should take this opportunity to mention recent events.

‘Yes, you’re right, Angie. And this village had the worst kind of tragedy. I’m glad you and Tina were able to forge a friendship from it. I’m sure she must be especially grateful for it at the moment, what with him being let out of prison last week.’

‘Oh, gosh, it’s terrible news, isn’t it?’ Angie leant towards Anna conspiratorially. ‘I don’t like to speak out of turn,’ she said in a hushed tone, ‘and I swore I wouldn’t say anything here today – I don’t think it’s something the villagers want to talk about – but I’ve got a very bad feeling about it.’

‘About Billy?’

‘Yes. I mean, he still has his place in Mapledon. I think he’ll come back.’

‘I wondered that too,’ Anna said, matching Angie’s quiet voice. ‘But I’d have thought he wouldn’t be allowed within a certain distance of his victim’s family, wouldn’t you?’

‘Probably not, but do you think a murderer who’s been inside for thirty years will do exactly what he’s supposed to?’

Which was just what had been bothering Anna. Billy might have to attend meetings with his probation officer and comply with certain conditions – but she assumed he wasn’t tagged, so in between those meeting times he could go where he pleased as long as he wasn’t caught.

‘But you haven’t seen him, or heard that anyone else has?’

‘No, not yet. But I’m keeping my ear to the ground,’ Angie said, whilst tapping her forefinger on the side of her nose. For a split second, Anna found it comical and had to suppress a laugh, though deep down none of it was in the least bit funny.

‘Do you remember that game us kids used to play?’

‘Oh, goodness, yes. Knock, Knock, Ginger – you little horrors plagued the life out of Billy back then.’

‘I remember. As I’m sure he does.’

‘He actually called the police on numerous occasions. Pat Vern used to round the kids up and give them a stern telling-off, all the good it did. My, my, Bella. If it hadn’t been for you two playing that stupid game, maybe—’

Angie stopped speaking, her face turning pink. She didn’t need to finish her sentence. Anna knew the ending. And Anna knew Angie wasn’t alone in her thinking.

‘Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing, Angie. As well you know.’

Anna hadn’t meant anything by her comment – she just thought she’d add it for impact. But the look of guilt on Angie’s face told its own story. The villagers of Mapledon all had their part to play in Jonie Hayes’ death.