‘And Sarah adopted a turtle in Elliott’s name. Honestly, you should have seen his face. He was so happy. Anyone would think she’d brought it in and physically handed it to him.’ She smiled at the memory. ‘Now all he talks about is turtles. He’s been learning all the facts and even drew up a chart comparing turtles and tortoises. I told him he should get a job in a zoo when he grows up. You know what he said?’ She squeezed her husband’s hand, knowing better than to expect a response. ‘He said he wants to be a marine biologist. Isn’t that great?’

But Lewis’s hand remained limp, his gaze vacant.

Maggie swallowed back the tightness in her throat. She had already told him about this morning’s interview, and how brave Elliott had been. If anything, the investigation had provided her with a talking point. Telling her husband about every facet of her life was better than sitting in silence, listening to the clock tick away each long minute in his company. What she’d give for his support right now. She thought about Yvonne and the way she had spoken to them in such a patronising tone. Recalled the way her face had soured when she spoke Sarah’s name. How she had looked at Elliott, physically shuddering when they first met. Someone should bring her down a peg or two. She walked to the window and stared out into the car park.

‘Not much of a view, you’d think they’d give you better for what it costs to keep you here.’ But there were trees nearby, and sometimes birdsong. Not today. Today everything felt cold and bleak. All the rain from the last week was beginning to turn to ice. Winter was coming and it was biting down hard. She glanced at the skeletal trees, enveloped by a shroud of mist. ‘I’d better not stay too long,’ she said. ‘The fog is coming down.’ Returning to her chair, Maggie crossed her legs. Sarah coming into her life felt like a chance for a new start. She should never have doubted her friend.