‘Oh yeah, you know what he’s like – this is his happy place. Nothing can stop him coming out here.’

‘Did you go anywhere?’

‘We took the boat round to Swan Lake on Saturday and had a picnic there. We gathered the greenery for the girls’ garlands. It’s a good spot – lots of cotton grass and hare’s tail to put in with the flowers.’

‘I hope you took photographs.’

‘Of course.’

Bell watched as Hanna went to the freezer and shuffled ice cubes from a tray into the jug. ‘The girls mentioned you’ve lost your ring. Please say that was a ploy to get them to –’ But her eyes fell to her boss’s hands and the conspicuous tan line around her index finger.

‘I’m afraid not.’ Hanna wrung her hand anxiously.

‘Oh, Hanna,’ she said quietly, knowing what it meant. Hanna’s ring had been designed with two pear-cut aquamarines, set side by side but facing in opposite directions so that they appeared to nestle together. Max had given it to her when the twins were born. Hanna always laughed that it was her ‘push’ ring, but – with the benefit of full disclosure about her first husband, now – it was clearly a substitute engagement, wedding and eternity ring in one.

‘I know. I’m beside myself about it. And Max is . . . well, he’s just so upset. It had huge sentimental significance.’

‘I know it did.’ Not to mention, it must have cost a bomb. ‘God, I’m gutted for you. Do you know what happened?’

Hanna swallowed. ‘I don’t, really.’

‘You didn’t see it come off?’

‘No.’

‘Feel it?’

She shook her head.

‘When was the last time you remember seeing it?’

‘A few days ago? I can’t be sure. I never take it off, so I don’t notice it in the way I might something else.’

‘No, of course. But you think you might have lost it on the beach?’ Bell looked out at the twins still digging, still chatting happily.

‘Maybe.’ She shrugged, seemingly giving up. ‘It could be anywhere.’

‘Well, you have lost weight recently,’ Bell said lightly, sensing the observation trod on dangerous territory somehow. She stood up and crossed the room with the piles of clothes and toys, setting them down on the island. ‘It must have slipped off your finger.’

‘Yes.’ Hanna stared at the offending hand, her brow furrowed. ‘I knew it was getting too big. I should have . . . I should have taken it off when I had the chance.’ Her voice sounded strained, bitterness inflecting the words.

‘You mustn’t blame yourself. These things happen. Is it insured?’

‘Yes, but . . .’ She trailed into silence.

‘I know, it’s not about the money,’ Bell murmured. ‘God, I’m so sorry, I really am.’

The sound of bare feet, sounding sticky on the wooden floors, made them both look up as Linus walked through, his hair a deliciously wild tangle that told Bell he hadn’t brushed it once since she’d left before the weekend either. His sleepy eyes brightened somewhat at the sight of her.