I got the impression that Agnieszka wanted me to agree with her in front of Rosa, to persuade her mother to see sense. But I also felt her mother’s helplessness, her fear and frustration. And for a moment, I felt torn. What should I say? It wasn’t my business but if it were Mum, would I want her grafting away in a cold, damp shop, surrounded by memories and determined to continue to be independent? I could relate to the stubbornness that Rosa exhibited. Like Mum, it came from strength of character and having had to overcome some dreadful experiences in life, and I was sure it was keeping the two women alive. ‘I can understand your concerns but . . . ’ I frowned an apology.

‘Oh sorry, Inspector. It’s not your problem at all. I’m just desperate to get Mum out of here and am being indiscreet and unfair.’ Agnieszka’s cheeks flushed pink. ‘Can I get you a cup of tea? You said you needed to talk to Mum about the flash mob?’

‘Thank you, yes. Don’t worry about the tea though.’ I smiled appreciatively and turned to Rosa, hoping Agnieszka would now go. ‘Mrs Feldman, did you see Indra leave the shop yesterday?’

She was pensive. Eyes screwed up, head cocked to the side. ‘Yes. I was opening up. Would’ve been around nine o’clock.’

‘Did she go back in at any point?’

‘Not that I noticed. But I wasn’t at the window all the time. I was trying to put some of the new stock out.’

‘Anyone else go in? Or Mr Gudelis leave?’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘What were you doing in the morning? Can you think back?’ I didn’t want to lead Rosa.

‘I had a delivery. Tomasz came and carried the boxes for me and I began unpacking them. But I was cold, and I had out-of-date stock which I needed to dispose of. Ah. That’s it. The husband came into the shop. He asked for Lemsip and Nurofen. Said he had flu and was going to go to bed and sleep it off.’

‘What did you say?’ That was interesting. I didn’t know whether Simas had actually been ill yesterday, or whether the flu remedies were a cover.

‘Nothing.’ She opened her hands wide. ‘I sold him the remedies. I wasn’t sure why he was telling me what he was going to do. It wasn’t as if we knew each other that well.’ She frowned. Confused. ‘Does that mean I was the last person to see him alive?’

‘I’d imagine that was the person he was with.’

‘Golly, that’s a relief. It would feel a bit strange otherwise. The last person to see him before he was killed?’ She shuddered. ‘I feel stupid now for being duped. Cavorting around in the street like an idiot while someone was setting light to their shop.’ She was trembling.