She shrugged. As far as I’m concerned he’s a complete and utter bastard, so I wouldn’t put anything past him.

I sat down and pulled my shoes off, taking a deep breath before I replied. I was reminded of how Jess had reacted to the suggestion that Steve had been grooming Leon. Was I doing the same thing?

It wasn’t Mike, I told her. Is that what you needed me to talk about?

She shook her head. I sent the story to Jane Villiers, and she asked if you would go and see her again tomorrow.

Just me? I asked, puzzled.

That’s what she said, Anna replied with a shrug. Maybe she knows something and wants you to pass it on to the police.

If she’s got something to report to the police she should contact them herself, I replied. I’m not a go-between.

Anna frowned at me. No, but I thought you’d want the opportunity to do a little digging.

Actually no, I don’t. I want them to find Leon and for all of this to be over. I sat back on the sofa and closed my eyes, and stayed there for about ten minutes. She didn’t bring it up again.

We’d agreed to postpone our trip to the Christmas market until things were a little less stressful, so when Max texted on Saturday morning and asked if I wanted to go out I jumped at the offer.

Where are we going? I asked as I climbed in his car.

He turned to look at me, and bit his lip as if he was thinking about something.

You might not agree to this, he began, but I’ve had an idea.

I waited for him to continue, unsure of what he was going to suggest.

The park at Normanby Hall is open to the public again, he continued. Do you want to go up there for a walk? It hasn’t snowed for a couple of days now, so the paths will be clear.

Oh. I really don’t know about that, I replied, my stomach churning slightly at the thought of going back there. It had been creepy walking around the park with Singh the other day, and I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to think of the place in the same way.

I know you’ll probably say no, because of what happened. I mean, you found a body, I know it’s awful, but I thought it would be nice to go and make another positive memory, to try and balance out the negative. Remember that picnic, in the summer? We had such a lovely day. That’s what I want you to remember about Normanby Hall. Do you see what I mean?