‘Not really. I came out onto the path and saw a car drive off.’

‘Did you see who was driving or what sort of car it was?’

‘It was too quick for me to see anyone inside. They went down that way. I think it was one of those big four-wheel-drive cars. It was black.’

God, it sounded all too familiar, thought Steph with a shudder. ‘Number plate?’ she asked but with little hope.

The neighbour shook her head. ‘Sorry. Is Wendy all right?’

‘Yes. Fortunately, we were in the conservatory. Maybe it was just kids messing around,’ said Steph, not wanting to alarm the neighbour too much.

‘Could have been. There’s the footpath just along there. Kids could have run off or been on pushbikes.’

‘Thanks anyway,’ said Steph. ‘I’d better get back and help Mum.’

When Steph went back into the living room, her mother was already picking up shards of glass and dropping them into a cardboard box.

‘I just spoke to your neighbour. She heard the window smash but didn’t see anyone. Although she did say a 4x4 car drove off as she looked out of the door. A black one.’

‘That doesn’t narrow it down. No plate number, I take it?’

‘No. Do you think it was a deliberate attack or just kids?’

Wendy stood up and looked at her daughter. ‘What do you think?’

‘I don’t know; that’s why I’m asking.’

‘Put it this way, it’s a bit of a coincidence – you turn up interested in the Elizabeth Sinclair death, and while you’re here, quizzing me about stuff from the past, I get a brick through the window.’ Wendy shook her head. ‘I suggest you quit that job and get yourself back down to Brighton sharpish and forget you ever heard the name Elizabeth Sinclair.’

‘Mum, stop!’ Steph was surprised by the command in her voice and it seemed her mother was too. Wendy blinked a couple of times but remained silent. Steph played to the advantage. ‘I need to know exactly what happened. I can’t leave this alone, especially not now.’

Steph waited while Wendy appraised her for what seemed like the longest time. Wendy let out a resigned sigh. ‘There’s not really much I can tell you; I told you I’m still bound by the Official Secrets Act.’ She held up her hand to silence Steph’s anticipated objection. ‘I’ve never asked much, if anything, of you, Steph. I’ve never demanded anything of you, not as an adult, but this one time, I am. Please stay away from all this. Don’t go stirring up things concerning Elizabeth Sinclair’s death.’

Steph let out an exasperated huff. She really thought for a moment there Wendy was going to open up. For fuck’s sake! A bubble of anger shot through her. ‘Are you telling me Elizabeth’s death wasn’t an accident?’