‘I couldn’t sleep last night, Liz. I lay awake and came to the conclusion that since you are so kind as to take an interest in me, I really should tell you everything,’ Emilia said.

Liz could have punched the air. ‘There have been more things?’ she asked.

Emilia went to a kitchen drawer, took out an envelope and passed it to Liz. ‘Look inside.’

Liz opened the envelope and removed a single sheet of white paper. On it, in black marker pen, were the words, YOU ARE NOT SAFE HERE.

Liz swallowed. This was a real threat. It took the whole thing to a different level. ‘When did you get this?’ she asked.

‘The day before I found my beautiful Heidi dead.’ Emilia hung her head. ‘It was like they killed her to make sure I understood that they were serious.’

‘You really should have gone to the police, Emilia. You must be terrified out here on your own.’ Liz didn’t mean to frighten her, but she had to appreciate that this was no gang of bored kids. Someone intended her real harm.

‘I am not frightened, Liz, but I am very angry.’ Emilia sat down in a chair opposite her. ‘I have experienced far worse than this, believe me. As I am Jewish, and my family came from Germany . . .’ She shrugged. ‘You can imagine, can’t you? Even though I married an Englishman, my life has not been a bed of roses, I assure you. This makes me livid. I have done nothing to upset anyone. I do not deserve this.’

‘Is there anyone you can stay with, just for a while?’ Liz asked.

‘I will not leave my home. For one thing, they would have free rein to do what they pleased, and for another, I refuse to let them think they have won.’

Emilia set her jaw, and Liz realised that there would be no arguing with her. ‘Then, would you mind if I tell one of my old colleagues at Fenfleet police station? As you said before, it’s unlikely they can do much to help, but they really should know about this. Maybe the occasional visit out here in a marked car might deter whoever is threatening you.’

‘I’d rather you didn’t.’ Emilia shrugged again. ‘I cannot think why anyone would want to do this to me. It doesn’t make sense.’

Liz agreed. ‘When I was in the police, I came across cases of unscrupulous property developers putting the frighteners on people who refused to sell them their homes or land, but let’s face it, no one would want to build out here on the marsh edge.’ She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ‘No one has made you an offer for your property, have they?’