Elsie appeared tickled by Sarah’s lack of knowledge on the matter. ‘I thought you were a detective?’ Her gaze fell on Christian as he returned downstairs. He was holding a black leather briefcase, a dab of bloodstained tissue stuck to his chin. Pride swelled in her bosom. She didn’t know he had it in him. ‘Tell her,’ she instructed. ‘Tell her what a hero you’ve been.’

‘Mom …’ His cheeks burned as he was put on the spot. ‘I was just in the right place at the right time.’ He opened a dresser drawer and pulled out a lint roller.

‘He’s being modest,’ Elsie said, happy to share his glory. ‘Last night, he was in Blackhall Manor checking security after the police finished with the place. Then he heard this banging coming from the walls!’ She raised her hands theatrically. ‘Most people would have upped and ran from that creepy old place. But not my Christian. He went to investigate. Next thing you know, that Libby girl crashed right through the wall! She was bleeding and bound. Would you believe it?’

‘Is this true?’ Sarah turned to Christian. Her mouth was parted in disbelief as she waited for him to answer. ‘Christian?’ she repeated as he shifted from one foot to the other.

‘Yes,’ Christian eventually said, barely able to meet her gaze. ‘She was trapped in a gap in the walls. Police are crawling all over the place.’

Elsie watched as Sarah stood, stunned.

‘Who knows what would have happened if Christian hadn’t been there to save her,’ Elsie piped up, when it was apparent Christian wasn’t going to elaborate. He had always been shy around women, but today he looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. But that was OK. She could talk on his behalf. ‘That poor gal would have been killed.’

‘All I did was call the ambulance, Mom,’ Christian said, pressing the roller against the cat hairs which clung to his trouser legs.

Sarah looked aghast. ‘I’d better go, sounds like I have a busy day ahead. I’ll let myself out.’ She mumbled her goodbyes before marching out the front door.

‘She’s strange,’ Christian said, throwing the roller back in the drawer.

‘So is the world we live in.’ Elsie looked him over with a concerned eye. He had paled in Sarah’s presence and there was a tremble in his hands. ‘Honey, are you sure you’re OK, going back to work today? You could have been killed last night.’ Her son was a sensitive soul. He would feel the effects for a long time to come. Christian delivered a weak smile.

‘I’m fine. Just glad I could help.’ He checked his watch. ‘I have to go.’