‘Hi, we meet at last,’ Camile said warmly, coming in. She hugged Jan and then petted Tinder as he jumped up at her excitedly.

The likeness between her and Chris that Jan had seen in the photographs was even more obvious in person.

‘Welcome home,’ Jan said. ‘Chris is here.’

‘Yes, I saw his car outside. I texted him to say I was on my way back.’

Setting her case down in the hall, Camile went through to the living room with Tinder close beside her. Jan followed.

‘Hi, love,’ Chris said, and he stood to greet her. They hugged with great affection.

‘I could do with one of those,’ Camile said, referring to Chris’s Scotch. ‘I’m knackered after all the travelling.’

‘How do you like it?’ Jan asked.

‘Same as Chris, please.’

Jan went into the kitchen and poured the Scotch, feeling slightly uncomfortable at playing hostess in what was Camile’s home again. Returning to the living room, she handed her the glass.

‘Thank you so much,’ she said appreciatively. ‘Those flowers are gorgeous. Don’t forget to take them with you.’

‘They’re for you,’ Jan replied. ‘I put them in water to stop them from wilting.’

‘That is kind.’ Camile seemed as pleasant in person as she had been in her emails and Jan couldn’t help but like her.

‘I’ve put bread and milk in the fridge,’ Jan said. ‘And I’ve topped up the meter. The spare change is in its usual place in the cupboard under the stairs, and here are the front door keys.’ She placed them on the coffee table and prepared to leave.

‘Thank you,’ Camile said. ‘Sorry I couldn’t get here earlier. You’ve got a long journey. Why don’t you stay tonight and then drive home tomorrow?’

‘I’ll be fine,’ Jan said, and instinctively glanced towards the open curtains.

Camile followed her gaze. ‘I am sorry you’ve had problems with the creatures from the woods coming in. They wouldn’t have harmed you, but it must have been annoying just the same.’

‘Chris doesn’t believe they exist,’ Jan said, and waited for their reaction.

Camile sipped her drink while Chris concentrated on his glass. Neither of them spoke.

‘Goodbye then, thanks for everything,’ Jan said, and she picked up her handbag.

‘I’ll see you to your car,’ Chris said.

‘There’s no need. I’ll just say goodbye to Tinder before I go.’

Jan went to stroke him, but as she did he let out a low, threatening growl. She instinctively stepped back. Still growling, he gave a bark and ran to the patio window. Jan’s heart missed a beat. It wasn’t her he was growling at. He’d heard something. Were they out there? Had they come after all? It was the time they often came. Chris and Camile were looking at the window too.

‘I’ll close the curtains,’ Camile said, and stood.