You may wonder how I know … well, let’s just say, there’s a constant supply of cocaine and I may have partaken in some recreational use at one of the parties. Dominic supplied me with the stuff and told me about his little sideline. It seems I’m not the only Sinclair who likes to indulge. Owen is quite fond of it himself but, unfortunately, isn’t able to limit his use.

So, what’s the problem, you might ask? Why do I think I’m in danger? Well, Dominic wants to end our relationship and, if I’m honest, I don’t. I’m still having way too much fun and the thought of going back to Harry and his boring ways really doesn’t appeal to me, not yet anyway. Dominic has threatened to tell Harry about my other affairs if I don’t let him end our relationship. He’s got another thought coming if he thinks he can just use me whenever he wants and there are no strings attached. I’ve told him as much. I’ve told him if he thinks he can just fuck me and then fuck me off, I’m more than happy to pass on some incriminating evidence to the police. He has far more to lose than I do. I could walk away with a divorce settlement. What could he walk away with? A jail sentence, that’s what.

Needless to say, he’s not very happy about that and we are at a bit of a stalemate. But it was the look in his eye and the way he spoke which frightened me. Now I’m not sure if he is planning something else to shut me up for good. That’s why I’m recording everything here. If something does happen to me, then Dominic will be responsible. I guarantee it.’

Steph didn’t immediately open the next file; she paused to take a moment to reflect on what she’d just seen and heard. It was unsettling seeing Elizabeth alive. The recording humanised her. Elizabeth was no longer the daughter of Sonia Lomas or the wife of Harry Sinclair – she was a real person. It sounded crazy, because of course Steph knew she was real, but the recording brought Elizabeth into clear focus. Steph felt a wave of compassion for this woman whose life had been cruelly taken.

A noise outside her room startled Steph. She sat very still and listened for another sound. A wave of fear washed over her as she remembered the night at the lodge with the intruder.

There it was again. Another noise – the tread of feet on floorboards?