Fiona huffed. ‘No thanks to your bloody sister. They gave me a bit of a grilling, but as we went on, they could see my point and I managed to persuade them you were a bit doolally.’ She made a spiralling motion with her finger, gave a satisfied smile. ‘They came round to my point of view in the end.’

Sara’s heart fluttered. Just as she’d thought. Fiona was one of those people who could persuade the Eskimos to buy ice, and it was no surprise she’d persuaded the police that her version was the truth. But in reality, without concrete evidence, what were the police supposed to do? It was Sara’s word against Fiona’s.

‘Can I assume our secret is still safe?’ she asked, tentatively.

Fiona gave her a cold stare. ‘Oh no. I’m sorry. No second chances. I’ve done enough for you and that’s it. A line has been drawn as far as I’m concerned. You’ve used up all your favours. I had to tell them about your theft. It was only right.’ She gave a little snort. ‘I have to admit, it came in handy as a diversionary tactic.’

Sara’s jaw clenched. ‘So we’re quits? All debts repaid?’

‘I think so. And it’s better if you don’t come here again.’ Fiona looked towards the doorway. ‘Maurice! Maurice!’ she called, and a few moments later, her husband strode into the room. ‘You can show Sara out now.’

Sara followed Maurice to the door, her heart heavy with disappointment. She hadn’t even had the chance to talk to Fiona about her business venture with Matt; hadn’t come close to saying everything she needed to say.

She was expecting to be shown out and the door closed firmly behind her, but Maurice came outside with her, gently pulling her to the side of the house, out of sight. ‘Look, Sara, I couldn’t say anything before, but…’ His hands were in his pockets, jingling the small change he had in there, his worried eyes studying her face. ‘I’ve heard your accusations. The police questioned me as well, and I defended Fiona, because I believed everything she said.’

Sara braced herself for more bad news. Is he going to take legal action against me? Or perhaps he’d do something to tarnish her reputation more publicly. She looked at her car, desperate to get in and drive away.