‘Well, he certainly has more substance than mist, I can tell you. He had no trouble flooring me.’ Matt laughed.

There was a few seconds’ silence, then she said, ‘Oh dear, that was thoughtless of me. I am so very sorry. I feel so guilty! How is your poor head now?’

‘Like my darling Liz said, I’m lucky it’s so hard. But, look, don’t feel bad about it. Given the opportunity, I’d have another go at the bast— Sorry, Emilia, but I’d dearly love to meet him again. Preferably in daylight this time.’

‘You know how much I appreciate your looking after the cottage, Matt, but please, please do not expose yourself or Liz to any danger. And I will certainly not even consider returning home until the police come up with some answers for me. And if they don’t . . .’

‘Between us and the police, we’ll find answers, Emilia. Meanwhile, stay put and we’ll keep you updated.’ Matt hoped he sounded more confident than he felt.

‘Thank you, Matt, thank you so much.’

He hung up and went to find Liz. She had abandoned her idea of watching the village store in favour of sorting out some of the damage to the garden. She was already roaming about, gathering broken branches and sweeping up shattered flowerpots.

She smiled at him. ‘Could have been worse. No major damage, except that a small section of fencing has blown down. Nothing that can’t be fixed.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Have we heard from Will yet?’

He shook his head. ‘No. That was Emilia, and I’ve put her mind at rest about Little Anchor.’ He gave her a worried glance. ‘I wanted to drop in at Holland House after I checked the cottage, but I wasn’t sure if I should.’

‘Was there much damage down on the marsh?’ Liz asked.

‘Worse than here, for sure. I could be wrong, but I think Will has a tree down.’ Matt paused. ‘Maybe I’ll go make us a cuppa, and then give him a ring.’

* * *

Will had woken at around six to an uncanny stillness. The storm had blown itself out during the night and the fen was silent. Not even a bird sang.

After a quick shower he went down to the kitchen and made tea. He knew he should eat but his stomach was in knots. He was worried about Kate and the fact that she was now sleepwalking. Above all, he was terrified of her reaction to the fallen rowan tree. He lifted the house phone receiver, but the line was dead. He sighed. Well, he had his mobile.

He had checked the garden, in the mad hope that the previous night’s damage had all been a bad dream. Sadly, it looked even worse in daylight.