Much as she seemed to want to explain, I could see it was distressing her, talking about Poland, and I wanted to move the conversation onto happier times. ‘When did you come to live in Brick Lane?’

‘Nineteen forty-eight. I was four.’ She released a sigh. ‘My family moved back to central Warsaw after the war, but life under communism wasn’t easy, and my parents found it impossible to settle amongst such horrible memories.’ Her expression changed again as the recollections came alive. ‘At that time, Józef and his family were already living in Brick Lane. His parents owned the newsagent’s. He worked for his father when he was at school, doing a paper round, and then helping with deliveries and putting stock out. The two of them worked alongside each other for twenty-five years. He took the shop over when his father died, and then he and I ran it together. I’d known him since I was four.’ Her mouth flickered a tiny smile and it was one of the saddest things I’d ever seen.

The arrival of a staff member prevented Rosa from saying anything further. ‘Time for your meds, Mrs Feldman,’ the nurse said cheerily, and she poured out fresh water.

I waved to indicate I was off. ‘I’ll leave you in peace.’ My phone had been vibrating in my pocket, so I took the opportunity to check my messages.

It was a text from Shen.

Indra had woken up and was extremely agitated. She wanted to speak to me.

Maya, 8.30 a.m.

Maya, 8.30 a.m.

Dan and I were in the lift at the Royal London Hospital, on our way to interview Indra on the ward.

‘Rosa is adamant she’s going back to the shop,’ I told him, and pressed the lift button. ‘I’ve asked Shen to speak to the consultant. She’s a determined lady. I’ve got visions of her discharging herself, flagging a black cab down in her hospital gown and then falling down the stairs at the shop.’

‘Good idea.’

‘Given what Indra’s gone through, I’d have preferred to leave it a day or two before broaching the subject of money and murder motives, but we have to consider her a suspect.’

‘I hope for her sake the shop was well insured. Not just the building but their income and business.’

‘I was thinking the same thing.’ The lift dinged and I followed Dan out.

‘I want to know why she told the police she thought Simas had been murdered. Don’t you?’