‘You two getting on then,’ Susan said, coming back into the room with two mugs. She put these on a square dining table. ‘Better if we have them up here,’ she said. ‘So Paige can’t grab them.’

Over coffee Susan explained she had a part-time job now. ‘Just when Paige is at nursery.’

‘What’s the job?’

‘Helping out in a hairdresser’s. Mostly manning the phones, sweeping the floor and that. But the owner’s been showing me the basics. Says when Paige goes to school she might take me on as a proper trainee.’

Clare sipped her coffee. ‘Susan, that’s great. Do you enjoy it?’

She beamed. ‘Yeah, you’ve no idea how good it feels to earn some money. And I’m picking it up too.’ She nodded at her daughter, now herding her toy animals together with a tiny sheepdog. ‘Cut Paige’s hair last week.’

Clare looked at the little girl. ‘Not bad.’ She patted the back of her own hair. ‘I’ll have to book you in for a trim.’

Susan laughed. ‘Mates’ rates!’ Then she put down her mug. ‘So, it’s lovely to see you but…’

Clare smiled. ‘I’m long overdue a visit and it is good to see you, both of you. But I did want to ask you something.’

‘Go on then.’

‘I think Paige is at nursery with a little boy called Daniel.’

‘Yeah, Daniel. He was there this morning. I heard something about him going missing at the weekend. Seemed okay, though. Is that why you’re asking?’

Clare hesitated. She didn’t want to be unfair to Melanie but if there was a chance Susan could help… ‘Have you any idea what Daniel’s mum does for a job?’

Susan looked at her for a moment then said, ‘Melanie? Erm why are you asking?’

‘It’s not that Melanie’s in any trouble, nothing like that, but I am concerned there could be something illegal going on – that she might actually be a victim.’

Susan avoided Clare’s eye. ‘Wouldn’t know.’

Clare regarded her then said, ‘Susan, is Melanie a sex worker?’ The pause was just long enough to tell Clare she was right. She said, ‘It won’t go any further, Susan. And I’m interviewing Melanie tomorrow morning in any case.’

Susan’s face fell. ‘You won’t charge her, will you? She must need the money otherwise she wouldn’t be doing it.’

Clare shook her head. ‘No, nothing like that. I just need a bit of information from her.’

‘If you’re looking for her to tell you who’s behind it you’ll have a long wait,’ Susan said.

‘Oh? Why’s that, Susan?’

‘Not worth anyone’s while to talk, is it?’

‘You’re not involved yourself, are you?’

‘Pfft. Not a chance. I’ve had my fill of being manipulated by folk like that.’

‘But they did ask you?’