Steph took a deep breath. This snooping-around lark was certainly not for the faint-hearted. She had a sudden urge to get out of the office as quickly as possible but she knew this was probably her best chance of finding something about the letter Elizabeth had sent.

On the shelf was a reef of files. Steph took them out and inspected the labels. She found the one marked ‘Minutes Correspondence’ and with shaking hands opened it and withdrew the wodge of papers. She flicked through, looking for Elizabeth’s letter. There it was, neatly printed out and addressed to the board. Steph scanned the letter, taking in the contents.

Dear Board of Directors

I would like to make an official request for a meeting with the Board of Directors of Conmere Enterprises Ltd to discuss some personal information I have in my possession relating to members of the Board which could prove detrimental to the standing of the company. I would confirm that I am willing to come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement concerning the handling of this information and trust the Board are open to discussions in this respect.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Elizabeth Sinclair

Paperclipped to the back of the letter was a reply on Conmere headed paper, signed by Pru.

Dear Elizabeth

Thank you for your letter.

The Board would be willing to meet with you on Monday 7th October to discuss the information you hold. The meeting will take place in the Boardroom at Conmere House.

We trust until such time the information will remain confidential.

Yours sincerely

Pru Sinclair

Director

Taking out her phone, Steph hurriedly took photographs of the letters. There wasn’t much to remember, but at least now she had some evidence of the correspondence, just in case the originals went missing.

She looked through the remaining papers and there, towards the bottom of the pile, was a letter from the valuers, Bovis & Childs.

Dear Mrs and Messrs Sinclair

It was a pleasure to meet with Dominic Sinclair today and to visit North Meadow, situated at the edge of the Conmere grounds.

In accordance with your instructions, we have appraised the piece of land known as North Meadow, Conmere Estate, and are pleased to enclose our valuation report herewith.

Steph scanned the rest of the letter and then skipped to the report. It was five pages, mainly dealing with the legalities and technicalities of its findings. It was the last page which interested Steph, quoting the land to be worth in excess of three million pounds if sold with the consent of planning permission for a small development of houses.

Steph checked the date of the reply – it was the day before Elizabeth had been found unresponsive in the lake. Whatever information Elizabeth had had, this must be the lesson she had been going to teach them that Cameron had mentioned. Had this letter cost Elizabeth her life?