Conor studied the scene in silence for a few seconds and then bent down to touch the damp soil before turning and looking up at her. ‘You saw someone looking in through the window?’

‘Yes. Just a face. Only a glimpse, but there was definitely someone there, and then this morning I thought I was being silly but then…’ She waved a hand at the flowers, her stomach turning over with the realisation that there really had been someone there. She couldn’t help an involuntary shiver.

‘When was this?’

‘Last night at about half-ten. At the time, I thought maybe it was… I don’t know, someone larking about coming back from the pub or something.’

‘We were all at home last night. Family dinner celebrating Mairead and Eamon’s wedding anniversary.’

‘Maybe someone was out locking up the animals or something.’

Conor’s eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet still studying the trampled flowers and the clear footprints. ‘Maybe.’ Even he didn’t sound convinced.

It didn’t take a detective to see that whoever had stood here had been right up against the window. That wasn’t just someone walking past.

Hannah took a hasty gulp of what was left of her tea, her hand shaking. Then another thought struck her.

‘The flowers. They were like this the day before.’

‘One of the pigs got out. Porker. It might have been him.’

‘I suppose, but does he wear size-ten boots?’

Conor huffed out a sigh. ‘No.’

Together they stood staring down at the untidy flower bed with the torn petals and squashed flower heads.

‘Let me have a think. We can move you somewhere else, although I’m not sure where. I’m mid-renovation on the other two cottages we have. There’ll be a room in the hotel, I think.’

Hannah pinched her lips together. ‘Don’t be silly. It was probably a one-off. I’ll draw the curtains at night.’ The cottage was so lovely she was loathe to leave it and now, on such a gorgeous day, it felt as if she were overreacting. ‘I’ve read too many thrillers. I’m sure you don’t have that many serial killers round here.’

‘None that I’m aware of. There are very few strangers round here. We know everyone and tourists don’t tend to stray this way. Do you get a phone signal here?’

‘Yes.’

‘Let me give you my mobile number so at least you can call if you’re worried. You all right?’

‘I’m fine. Feeling a bit foolish now. Especially when it’s such a gorgeous sunny day. Looks a perfect beach day.’

‘It is.’ He picked up his board but didn’t move.