‘That’s not possible.’ Shirley was quick to dismiss the idea.

‘I’m not saying it’s true, but it’s what Kayla has been telling people.’ Kim felt awful for having to break the news, but thought it better that her friend knew so she could do something about it.

‘That girl.’ Shirley’s eyes burnt with rage. ‘How dare she?’

‘It’s probably just for attention.’ Kim leant over and rested her hand on her friend’s arm. ‘I thought you’d rather hear it from me, in case the police come knocking.’

‘Why would the police come?’ Shirley’s voice growled.

‘Oh,’ Kim felt flustered, ‘I don’t know. They might want to talk to Grant. Or you.’

‘Me? Why would they want to talk to me?’

This was the moment Kim had been dreading most.

‘Because Kayla says that you knew and you did nothing about it.’ Shirley sat quite still for a moment, examining Kim’s face.

‘Is that right?’ she said, smiling.

‘I just wanted you to know what was being said. You know what rumours are like. They spread and can get out of control.’ Kim felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Something about Shirley’s reaction wasn’t right.

‘And have you repeated this rumour to anyone?’

‘No, of course not!’ Kim was indignant, despite the fact she’d discussed it with her husband and a few friends.

‘Well,’ Shirley said, standing up, ‘it would be a real mistake if you had.’

The police car came screeching into the car park of Hinton Grange care home. Barrett leapt out of the car and rushed into reception.

‘Where’s Shirley Grubb?’ he shouted at the surprised woman sitting behind the desk.

‘She left.’ The woman pointed to the door. ‘Her shift was over.’

‘Where was she going, Ruby?’ Barrett read the woman’s name badge as he flashed his ID and Palmer joined him at the desk.

‘She told me she was going to see a friend.’ Ruby looked confused and frightened, like many of the residents of Hinton Grange.

‘Who? Which friend? I need to know.’

‘Oh, erm …’ Ruby struggled to recall the conversation they’d had in the staff room, which had taken place an hour ago. ‘Kim, I think. I think she said her name was Kim.’

Palmer and Barrett shared a grave look.

‘Thank you,’ Palmer said, and both men turned, heading back towards the car park.

‘What’s the matter, Shirl?’ Kim asked. ‘I mean, don’t shoot the messenger. I never said it was true, or that I believed it. I thought I was doing you a favour.’ Shirley stood, towering over Kim, her silhouette blocking out the bright sunlight.

‘You’re the same as the rest of them,’ she spat. ‘You can’t be trusted. You’d screw me over at the drop of a hat.’ Shirley took a step forward.