‘Yes. But first I want to organise a reconstruction. See if we can jog the memory of anyone who might have been in the area that night. Then, let’s bring her in. It’s about time we had a chat with Mrs Grubb.’

Having finished her morning shift, Shirley made her way to Milton Road to pay a visit to Dean. To her surprise, she discovered a few bunches of flowers leaning up against the front of the bookmakers as a tribute to Janet. Her heart sank as she was reminded of what she’d lost. She’d considered calling Dean first, to let him know she was coming, but she didn’t think it best to speak to him on the phone. In reality, she wanted to see him to pass on her condolences and check that he was coping on his own.

After nipping down the side alley that led to the flat’s entrance, Shirley stood outside and knocked on the door. She then rang the doorbell, and called out his name, but Dean didn’t answer. She panicked. She needed to know where he was. Perhaps he was with a friend? Janet would never have forgiven her if she turned away and did nothing, so Shirley took her phone out of her bag and tried Dean’s number, struggling to remember why she’d ever been given it in the first place.

His phone rang four times before it was answered.

‘Dean. It’s Shirley.’

‘Hi.’ He sounded miserable.

‘Where are you? I’m outside the flat.’

‘I’m stayin’ with my nan.’

‘In Dartford?’ Shirley was surprised, knowing what a volatile relationship Janet had had with her mother.

‘Yeah. Didn’t wanna be in the flat.’ Shirley could understand that.

‘I’m glad you’re safe. How long are you staying there for?’ Although she’d heard plenty of bad things about Peggy from Janet, Shirley felt relieved to learn that the lad wasn’t alone.

‘Dunno. Haven’t thought about it yet. Is there any news on Mum?’ He sounded choked.

‘Sorry, Dean. I haven’t heard anything.’ Shirley went and stood next to her car and leant against the hot metal.

‘What about the funeral?’

‘I don’t know. Have you spoken to the police?’

‘They know where I am and stuff.’ He sniffed.

‘You could call them. I’m sure they’d answer your questions.’

‘I dunno what to do.’ He sounded lost. ‘I’ve not had to arrange a funeral before. Don’t even know how to pay for it. Mum didn’t exactly have loads of savings.’ Shirley knew this much was true.

‘I can help. I’m sure your nan will too.’ This, she wasn’t so sure about. ‘I think you did the right thing, leaving Cambridge. It wouldn’t do you any good being stuck in that flat.’