I didn’t correct her by saying that it was being back at work that had put the spring in my step, rather than time spent at home. For one thing, I wasn’t sure if that was completely true this time.

The evening was crisp and clear so I decided to walk the two miles home. It would give me a chance to savour being back in my neighbourhood as I strolled past the pretty lights and warm glow of the familiar shops and houses along the route, and provide ample time for me to pop in my headphones and call Henry to tell him how Summer Collins got busted.

‘Bea, I was about to phone you,’ he said as a greeting, automatically increasing the flutter of happiness in my stomach. I had already analysed why I wanted to call Henry, rather than Adam, to tell him about my day. It could be because Henry already knew about Summer’s possible sabotage, and had seen her in action at the interview. It could be because Henry had no personal interest in where I worked.

Or, it could simply be because it was Henry.

Hearing he wanted to speak to me nudged all thoughts about work to one side. I was acutely aware that Henry might believe I was back together with Adam. Was he about to say something?

‘I just found a couple of guys lurking around the back of the house.’

‘Charis House?’

‘Yes. Your parents are at the hospital so I didn’t want to interrupt their visit. Jed and Mia are already at her parents’.’

‘Intruders? Have you called the police?’

‘Journalists. From the Chronicle.’

I stopped dead on the footpath, causing a man to swear as he almost stumbled into me. As I moved to one side out of the way of other pedestrians, an icy fog of dread descended, its tendrils wrapping themselves around my chest.

‘What did they say?’

‘They were looking for Joy. Or her son.’

I started moving again, hurrying towards home.

‘I pretended I was interested in answering their questions to keep them talking. Someone has sold them a story revealing your dad’s paternity.’

‘Oh, no. No, no, no!’

‘I told them Joy wasn’t living here at the moment, but it’s not hard to find out that she’s still in hospital.’

‘Thanks to my stupid publicity stunt.’

‘They’ve given me their card. They’re aiming to hit the Sunday paper.’

‘That’s tomorrow!’

‘Yes. If someone offers to do an interview, they’ll postpone.’

‘Someone being Nana Joy or Dad?’

‘Or a local television personality who’s a close relative, and happens to be the one who solved the mystery.’

‘This is a nightmare.’ I was practically running now, my rucksack bouncing against my spine. ‘I’ll be home in five minutes, then come straight over. I’ll try and think in the taxi.’