‘A bit. She was a friend of Kim’s. She didn’t come around much.’

‘How long have they been friends?’ Barrett held a pen poised above his notebook.

‘They met about six years ago, I think. After the twins were born. Toni was working at the gym that Kim joined. That’s how they got to know each other. Now they go to the same book club. Toni started it, I think.’

Meanwhile, Dylan, Kim and Pete’s son, had come into the room and was bashing a toy drum loudly.

‘I see.’ Barrett scribbled something down.

‘Why do you want to talk to Kim?’ Pete sat forward, appearing slightly concerned. ‘She was staying with a friend the night Toni was killed.’

‘We want to talk to her about a delicate matter in Mrs Jones’ past. We hope she might be able to shed some light on it.’

‘Well, she’s not here.’ Pete sat back, looking more relaxed despite the increasing noise level coming from the toy drum.

‘Do you know what time to expect her back?’

‘Not the foggiest. She’s a law unto herself, that woman.’ Pete smiled.

‘In that case, there is no reason for us to keep you.’ Barrett stood up, eager to leave. ‘This is my card. Please ask Mrs Geller to get in touch as soon as she can.’

‘Will do.’ Pete took the card and showed the men to the door.

‘I think we need to interview everyone who was at that book club. I want a list of names.’ Barrett sat in the passenger seat examining the notes he’d made earlier.

‘Yes, sir,’ Palmer said as he started the engine.

Sitting on a bench, opposite Parkside police station, Janet tucked in to a chocolate éclair she’d bought from the bakery cum coffee house on Mill Road.

Shirley sat beside her, still reeling from the argument at Amy’s house.

‘That bitch,’ she hissed, as they sat in the warm sunshine.

‘Better out than in,’ Janet giggled.

‘Who does she think she is? Talking to me like that. She needs to be taught a lesson.’ Shirley’s brown eyes sparkled at the thought.

‘What are you going to do?’ Janet wiped cream off her pointy chin.

‘Dunno yet, but she’s not going to get away with it.’

The pair sat in silence, enjoying the summer sun for a moment before Janet spoke.

‘The police will probably want to talk to us.’ Her words were slow and considered. ‘What are you going to tell them?’

‘What do you mean?’ Shirley turned to Janet, looking somewhat alarmed.

‘About where you were.’

‘I was at home.’

‘Was Grant there? Or Kayla?’

‘No, he was out with the lads, watching the World Cup. Kayla was staying at a friend’s house. Why? Where were you?’

Janet folded the paper bag that had contained her éclair.

‘I was also at home. Alone.’ Their eyes met for a moment.