‘No, not really. They just let me talk. I just walked in and blurted about Danny. I think they were all a bit shocked so I kinda talked to fill the silence. I didn’t give details about what happened, but I mentioned how Danny had been finding it difficult and had moved out. I talked about Callie too, I said it looked like she’s going to recover and how I’m just praying that she comes back fully recovered … It all just fell out. It felt good to have people listening – even those people.’

‘Do you know everyone who was there by name?’

‘I could name them all, I think; it’s the same women as a month ago and a few new faces. Even Marilyn was there.’

‘Marilyn?’

‘Luckhurst. Her daughter was on the outskirts of the whole thing. Callie was convinced that she was a victim too. She told DC Ribbons, but I don’t think Emma ever admitted it. I suppose with Marilyn being there today she must have by now. She’s a bit strange …’

‘Strange? Marilyn, you mean?’

‘Yeah, just a little insular, you know. She’s never really said much to me but today she was the first one to get hold of me for a hug! It felt a bit odd. Emma’s her girl. Emma and Callie are mates.’

‘From school?’ DS Rose asked.

‘No. They’re at different schools. They used to go to the same dance class, then lost touch until Emma moved and started hanging out in the park with the group. Emma used to talk to Callie, but then she’s that sort of girl, easy to talk to. Emma had some family issues earlier in the year, Callie even paused Love Island to tell me about it!’ Sharon’s eyes suddenly sparked like it was a pleasant memory. ‘I think Emma’s dad gives them both a hard time.’

‘Who’s that?’

Sharon shrugged. ‘I don’t know him. I’ve never even seen him about. He works for himself, Callie said, and he can go away weeks at a time. Like I said, your lot must have spoken to her by now. Last I heard they had split up and moved out.’

DS Rose took a writing pad out. She pushed it onto the table. ‘Would you be able to list everyone who was there? Maybe which of the victims they are linked to and how, if you know that too.’

Sharon blinked at the pen like she was considering it, but she eventually picked it up. Joel continued to talk while she wrote.

‘Were there any men in this group?’

‘No, and I’ve heard that voice on the phone enough to know it’s not anyone I’ve met, if that’s what you’re getting at. That would be pretty stupid, wouldn’t it? His voice wasn’t even disguised.’