Will joined them and watched Kate’s eyes soften. ‘He’s wonderful. It’ll be easier for me next time, I’m sure. I’m sorry if I seemed a bit on edge, Matt. I think the pressure of work, the deadlines and such, have just worn me down. Add to that the move and the effort I’m putting in to get the house as I want it, and I’m quite exhausted. I might even be becoming a tad agoraphobic.’

Will listened. It hurt him to hear her speak in the singular about all the effort being put into the house. Where did he come in?

‘Thanks for your help with my research, Matt, I really do appreciate it,’ she added.

‘My pleasure, Kate. And Liz’s too. We’re enjoying it. We’ll pass on anything we find, and Liz told me to tell you that should you need anything following up to let her know. She has much more free time than you.’

Kate smiled and yawned. ‘Thank her for me. I might take her up on it soon.’

Matt finished his drink and smiled warmly at Kate. ‘Better go. Your William’s hive of industry outside has reminded me that I promised to clean Liz’s car for her today. Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out, and I’m thrilled that we had such a successful outing.’

Kate smiled at Matt, thanked him again for his help and returned to her frantic typing. Will followed him out, closed the door behind him and walked with him to the car.

‘There are ten of them, Matt. All pretty ghastly, but there is one in particular that struck me. I won’t say which, but I think you’ll know the one I mean when you see them.’

Matt nodded thoughtfully. ‘Look, as soon as I hear back from Laura, I’m going to suggest that you and I have a quiet drink together in the local pub. At least we’ll be able to talk without going through all this cloak-and-dagger rigmarole. And do let me know if she mentions the doll. And if she accuses you of going in there deny it totally. If you are convincing enough, she’ll probably doubt herself. Just brush it away as irrelevant, and whatever you do, don’t make a fuss.’

‘Okay, but I’m not exactly the best liar in the world.’ Will gave him a rueful grin.

‘Then become one, mate. You know how it’s done, you’ve arrested enough of them in your time.’

On his way back to the house, Will couldn’t resist glancing up at her studio window.

The doll was gone.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The pub was busy, but Will had managed to secure them a corner table tucked away beside the fireplace.