Shirley had received the news yesterday that Tiff’s post-mortem had been carried out. The coroner reported it as an accidental death. Louisa had felt a strange mix of relief and sadness and she’d immediately envisaged Tiff rushing around, going from one task to another without giving enough attention to each one – knocking over the water without realising then slipping on the floor. Louisa shut her eyes tightly, fat tears squeezing out. It was still so unbelievable to think Tiff was gone. It was hard to consider what her family must be feeling, but she was glad the funeral home was releasing Tiff’s body now. At least her family could begin the agonising task of arranging her burial.

Louisa certainly didn’t want Oliver following her to Tiff’s, making a nuisance of himself. He was bound to offer his assistance, and Louisa wanted to do this on her own. It was going to be the most difficult, heart-breaking thing she’d ever had to do, and she didn’t want an audience.

It was her time with Tiff. Her memories. Her apology. It was private.

But with Oliver just outside, the likelihood of carrying this out without interruption was slim.

Binoculars. She ran to get them from the garage. At least then she’d be certain if Oliver was in the car. If he wasn’t, she’d take her chance and leave. If he was, well then she’d have to think of another plan.

Louisa’s gaze passed over the box containing the battered drone. Just seeing it made her breath catch. She still hadn’t had any idea how to find Melissa, but she held some hope that while she was sorting out things at Tiff’s today, she might come across something – a clue as to why Melissa, and Oliver, had been visiting her. And whilst she’d been pleased the coroner had concluded Tiff’s death was accidental – Louisa couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling something was amiss.

Dusting off the binoculars, Louisa took them back to the front window. She angled them in the right direction, then twiddled with the dioptre adjustment on each eyepiece. She hoped none of her neighbours were watching. As she turned the central focusing wheel, Oliver’s car came into clear view.

She gave a sigh of relief. No one was inside it.

Louisa flung the binoculars on the sofa and snatched up her bag, pushing Noah back outside. She turned left to avoid Oliver’s car, just in case he came back to it as she passed. Although she was glad he wasn’t inside the car, it did leave the question of where the hell he was. Why park it there and walk off? His behaviour was increasingly concerning.