Oli plucks a chocolate Big M from the fridge and a packet of chips from the sparse rack near the door. She gives Cooper a look, and he reluctantly selects an apple. They deposit their goods on the narrow check-out counter. An older woman stands next to an ancient cash register. Her thick brown curls are pulled back from her face with tortoiseshell combs, and she wears a soft lilac jumper with small pearls sewn into the collar. On a cord around her neck hangs a pair of glasses that she slides onto her nose.

‘Is this your shop?’ Oli asks her.

She beams. ‘Yes, it is. My husband and I own it. Have done for over thirty years now.’

‘It’s lovely.’

‘Thank you, dear, we like it.’ The lady looks around the shop as if she hasn’t noticed it in a while.

‘Crystalbrook is such a beautiful place,’ gushes Oli. ‘It must be wonderful being right in the middle of nature. You must know everyone in town.’

Cooper stands next to her, stiff as a board, and Oli hopes the woman doesn’t think he is her boyfriend.

‘Well, yes, we probably do.’ The woman nods proudly. ‘Now, do you need a bag, dear? That will be seven eighty-five.’

‘No, thanks,’ Oli replies cheerfully, handing over ten dollars. She takes a punt that the lady hasn’t listened to the news today. ‘I have an old schoolfriend who lives around here, but I’m not exactly sure where. I think it’s on Laker Drive, does that sound right? About halfway along. She mentioned in an email that it’s a real bush property, almost a cottage.’

‘I know Laker Drive!’ the lady exclaims as if it’s a quiz.

‘My friend has long dark hair?’

‘You must be talking about Natalie Maslan,’ says the woman knowingly. ‘She’s around your age, I think.’

‘Yes, Natalie!’ Adrenaline pumps through Oli’s system.

‘They’re in here now and then. She’s a pretty young thing, but far too skinny if you ask me.’ She looks approvingly at Oli’s ample hips.

‘Well, thanks.’ Oli backs toward the door. ‘I’ve misplaced her phone number, but we might head over there now to see if she’s home. It’s been ten years since I’ve seen her!’

The woman beams. ‘I’m not sure what she does exactly, but I think she works from home. They’ve only been here a few years. She’s very … What’s that word everyone uses these days? Introverted. She’s very introverted. Although I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see an old friend.’

Oli pauses, one hand on the door. ‘You said “they”. Does Natalie have a partner?’