Gabby levelled her with a hard stare. ‘We are in the middle of an investigation into the murder of the daughter of Slayton’s most prominent businessman.’ She paused only to draw breath. ‘You took it upon yourself to involve a vulnerable young child who has a history with social services in the investigation. While you’re at it, Detective Constable Noble, why don’t you ring the papers and get them involved too?’ Gabby smiled, but it was a cold smile. There was a fire of fury behind her eyes.

‘So, you don’t believe in psychics?’ Sarah said quietly, her cheeks burning as she inwardly cursed Yvonne for putting the idea in her head.

‘No, Sarah, I don’t. What would give you that idea?’

Sarah felt the cold realisation that she had been played. She could have told Gabby that Yvonne had tried to set her up, but that wouldn’t improve her plight. She wished the ground would swallow her up. Her day could not get any worse.

‘Now tell me the real reason why you ignored my instructions to go to Blackhall Manor?’

‘I can’t,’ she said. ‘I’ll do anything you want, but please don’t send me there.’

‘You’re in CID! I don’t sugar-coat shit. I’m not Willy Wonka.’ Gabby looked at her gravely. ‘But maybe you were right. Maybe you’re not up to the job.’

‘What?’ Sarah said, her eyes moist with tears. ‘No … I …’

‘It’s not your fault.’ Gabby took a soothing breath. ‘I overestimated you. Maybe you should give your notice in, Sarah. Let the job go to someone who’s more capable.’

‘You don’t understand,’ Sarah said, her voice low.

‘No, I don’t understand.’ Gabby matched her tone. ‘I thought I saw something in you, Sarah. Saw potential way beyond your present situation. I respected you for climbing out of that hole your husband pushed you into. I really thought you’d make a go of this. But this … Elliott … what is going through your mind? Was it seeing Angelica’s body? Do you need more time off? Because if you do …’

Sarah knew she was on the verge of losing her position in the team. ‘There’s something you need to know,’ she mumbled. ‘I can’t go back to Blackhall Manor because part of me died there.’

Gabby’s eyes creased in confusion.

‘I’m Sarah Middleton. Daughter of Nigel Middleton, the man who shot his family in cold blood.’

‘No, there were no survivors.’