Steph didn’t like the look in Dominic’s eye and the way he was standing so close to her; the only way she could move would be to lean back over the banisters. ‘I am really sorry about going into the room,’ she said. ‘I did apologise to your mother.’

‘I heard. You may be able to pull the wool over her eyes, but I’m not so easy going, in case you hadn’t realised.’ He narrowed his eyes. ‘Stay out of that room. Got it?’

Steph gulped. ‘Yes. Got it,’ she managed to say.

Dominic took a step back and smiled warmly at Steph. ‘Good. You’re a nice girl, Steph. Harry likes you a lot. I wouldn’t want to piss him off by having to sack you or anything. And I’m sure you don’t want to lose your job either. The photos sound quite the money-spinner.’

Steph shook her head. ‘No. I don’t.’ She could detect the tremor of fear in her own voice and was sure Dominic wouldn’t miss it either. It was true, she didn’t want to lose her job here at Conmere, but not for the reasons Dominic thought. She wanted to find out what had happened to Elizabeth Sinclair more than anything now.

‘Good,’ said Dominic. ‘Now, you’d better get on with sorting out the Daffodil Room ready for our new guests.’

He stepped aside so Steph could pass him.

‘Oh, Steph,’ he called as she reached the top of the stairs.

Steph turned to look at him. ‘Yes?’

‘You haven’t heard anything more from Sonia Lomas, have you?’

Steph put on her best perplexed face. ‘No. Nothing. Can’t think why I would.’

‘Someone said they saw her in town the other day. I just wondered if she’d spoken to you. Never quite sure with that woman if she’s going to pull one of her publicity stunts or not. We could really do without that. So could Harry.’

‘I haven’t seen her at all,’ said Steph.

‘If you do, let me know, won’t you?’

Steph gave a shudder as she descended the staircase. She really didn’t like Dominic, and if she was honest, he scared her.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Conmere, Tuesday, 14 May, 10.30 a.m.

Steph was glad it was her morning break and she could get out of the house for fifteen minutes. Conmere had such an oppressive feel to it; she couldn’t explain it, but every time she stepped foot in there she felt uneasy.