Mr Palmer stood for a second time to voice his discontent. ‘But it wasn’t a one-off, was it? What about Blackhall Manor? I said it before and I’ll say it again, that place should be knocked to the ground.’

Gabby gave him a withering look. ‘Mr Palmer, what happened in Blackhall Manor was twenty-five years ago.’

‘What about that pervy police officer? That was last year!’

Sarah’s face burned as a few heads turned to peer at her. She tugged her fringe, realised what she was doing, then sat on her hands. She would forever be known as the wife of the ‘pervy’ police officer.

‘Nothing was proved,’ Gabby responded firmly, and Sarah shrank in her chair a little more. The hall was growing uncomfortably warm, and her armpits were damp with sweat.

‘Only because you lot covered it up!’ Mr Palmer bellowed, encouraged by several nodding heads. ‘I don’t know why I came to live here. If the police can’t protect us from perverts and murderers, then who can?’

‘Councillor Dean, I’ve got a deposit on a new property.’ A bearded middle-aged man remained seated as he spoke. ‘Is it safe to live here?’ With evident relief, Gabby took a seat and allowed Councillor Dean to take the microphone. Red-faced and sweating, his neck bulged over the tight collar of his shirt.

‘I can assure you,’ Councillor Dean said. ‘Slayton is perfectly safe.’

‘Slayton is safe? Tell that to Angelica Irving’s family!’ a woman from the crowd shouted. She didn’t stand. Most likely didn’t want her face seen. A steady click of footsteps rose from the curtain on the left. A low mumble spread as Simon Irving walked onto the stage. Had he been watching from the wings all this time, or had he just got here?

As always, he was smartly dressed, from his expensive leather shoes to the silver tiepin and cufflinks catching the stage light. Scanning the crowd, he took the mic.

‘Most of you here know me. Angelica was my daughter. We are devastated by her loss.’ Slowly exhaling, he pulled a tissue from his suit pocket, but no tears came. The room fell into a hush as Irving cleared his throat.

‘I’m here tonight to reassure you. I’ve spoken at length to the police. I’m confident this will not happen again. No other family will suffer our agony.’ He brought the tissue to his face before continuing. ‘This was a game. One with a tragic ending. My daughter has paid the price.’ He looked from left to right, taking in the crowd. ‘House prices are booming. Any property purchased in Upper Slayton is as good an investment now as it ever has been.’

What the hell? Sarah thought. His daughter has just died and he’s talking about investments?