Shirley felt uncomfortable being in the flat alone, as if she was encroaching on Janet’s privacy. The place was a mess and Shirley knew Janet would not have wanted her to see it looking like that, even if it was evident it was normally in a similar state. Looking around at the sparse furniture and all Janet’s belongings, Shirley wondered what would become of them.

Deciding not to dwell on it, she went in search of Dean’s trainers in his bedroom. His cupboard was open, as were his drawers, and they had been emptied. The room smelt stale, the kind of smell that only existed in the bedrooms of teenage boys. Shirley had had enough of bad smells at work and hadn’t bargained for them in the flat as well.

The duvet was pulled back in a pile at the end of the bed, and posters of cars, and women with their breasts out, covered the walls. Shirley didn’t quite know where to look, and she rushed around the room, feeling again like she was somewhere she shouldn’t be. Finally, after checking under the bed, she discovered the black trainers Dean had referred to, and bundled them into an empty Sports Direct bag that lay discarded on the floor. She finished just as her phone began to ring. Not recognising the number, she answered, while standing in the doorway of Janet’s bedroom.

‘Mrs Grubb, my name is DCI Barrett. I’m investigating the murders of Toni Jones and Janet Cox. I understand you knew both victims?’

‘Yes.’ Shirley had not been expecting the police to call her.

‘We’d like to talk to you about the last time you saw both victims alive. Would you come to the station as soon as possible please, to give a statement?’

‘Can’t I do it over the phone?’ Shirley asked, clearly irritated by the request.

‘It would be better if you came to the station, Mrs Grubb,’ Barrett said in a serious tone. ‘It won’t take long.’

‘Well I’m kind of busy now. Can I come later? I’ve got to go to my daughter’s sports day.’

‘Are you available at five?’ Shirley looked at her watch. It was 1pm.

‘Yes, I can be there then, but I don’t know what you expect me to say. I can’t help you.’

‘We just have a few questions, Mrs Grubb. Two women are dead. This is a serious matter.’

‘Yes. OK. I’ll be there at five.’ She made no attempt to hide her annoyance.

‘Thank you. We’ll see you then. Please ask for me at the desk when you arrive.’