‘You’re so right, but we’ve been lucky. Even though we went through some very dark times, we aren’t as fragile or sensitive as Kate. She was always delicate, and as Will is the first to admit, she has never really got over losing their baby. Probably she never will.’ Matt eased the car into the lane that led to Tanners Fen and home. ‘I wonder why Will wants to talk to us so urgently? I’m beginning to get a bit anxious.’

‘Me too.’ Liz stared out over the miles of lush green fields of vegetable crops. ‘Matt, what do you think of their new home, Holland House?’

He exhaled. ‘Well, I’ve known it all my life, so I’ve never really thought about it. It’s in a beautifully remote spot, and it was an absolute steal at the price they paid. I’ve always thought it an imposing sort of place. It still needs a lot of updating, probably hasn’t been touched since old lady Holland was younger, but—’

‘No, I don’t mean the practical things. What do you feel about it?’

Matt shrugged. ‘I don’t feel anything, really.’

‘Mmm. Maybe that’s what I mean,’ Liz mused. ‘Our home always makes me want to smile, but Holland House seems, well, lifeless.’

Matt laughed out loud. ‘You didn’t smile when you first saw the old Ballard family pile. As I recall, you told me it looked like a museum — no, mausoleum.’

Liz tried to look contrite and failed. ‘True, but I didn’t hate the place. It was simply that I could see what it was crying out for. We’ve stamped our mark on it now, and it’s warm and welcoming.’

Matt pulled into the drive of Cannon Farm. ‘Well, they haven’t really been at Holland House long enough to make it theirs, have they? Will is still restricted by that damaged arm, and Kate spends every waking hour working, or so it seems. Give them time. It will be their dream home one day, you’ll see.’

Liz didn’t seem convinced. ‘I think it will take more than a few paint charts and an order from Wayfair to make that place a dream home. But that’s just my opinion.’

Matt had barely got his front door key in the lock when Will Stonebridge’s car drew up behind theirs. One look at his face told Matt that his friend was far from okay. His smile seemed forced, and his eyes definitely weren’t smiling.

‘Come on in, I’ll get the kettle on.’ Liz hurried off in the direction of the kitchen, while Matt ushered Will into the lounge.

‘We’ll wait for Liz and the coffee. You look like you need to offload a bit, Will.’ Matt smiled somewhat anxiously at his old friend. ‘You’ve got that look we used to have when a crappy case got really exasperating.’