Clare flushed. ‘No. I told you I was mad at Stone. For ignoring everything I say, for not caring about the site getting wrecked, and for not being willing to even consider the possibility that Beth’s death was anything other than a suicide.’ She paused. ‘And to be honest I was so angry that when I told Stone about the meeting with the dealer I didn’t stop to think what the implications might be for Crabby, or for anyone else for that matter.’

‘Please tell me you didn’t actually say anything to Stone about Crabby’s part in the metal detecting fiasco!’

Clare shook her head. ‘Of course not. What do you think I am, Jo? I know I’ve been a bloody idiot. And I’m not proud of myself. But I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt Crabby.’

Jo let out a sigh. It was obvious how worried Clare was – worried and tired. The last few weeks had been difficult for all of them, but Clare had been the one shouldering the lion’s share of the responsibility. ‘I know.’ She smiled reassuringly. ‘But you’ve got to admit it was kind of a dumb thing to do. And that’s not like you, Clare.’

Clare shook her head. ‘I didn’t used to think so either. But lately I’m beginning to wonder.’

A thought suddenly struck Jo. ‘Did you tell the police Margaret was involved?’ Clare nodded. ‘You need to tell her, Clare. If they do follow it up they’re bound to want to speak to her about it. And she’ll be as mad as hell if they turn up on her doorstep and she knows nothing about it.’

Clare took a sip of her drink. ‘I’ve already spoken to her. Stone sent someone round to see her after I told him. But she was alright about it. She didn’t know about Crabby’s involvement. So as far as the police are concerned, the dealer and his mates are the ones who planted the finds on-site. And who’s going to believe them if they try to claim otherwise?’

Jo said, ‘I guess so.’

Clare said, ‘The thing is, Jo, I was wondering. Do you think I ought to tell Crabby?’

‘Tell him what? That he trusted us and we repaid him by telling the police?’

Clare protested, ‘But I didn’t tell them about his part in what happened.’