‘She told me. As a matter of fact, Mr Millar was released last night.’

‘Really?’

‘Good news, though. Surely no one wants the father of their child to be on a murder charge.’

‘No, I mean . . . what about his confession?’

‘It didn’t hold any water. I know you told the inspector you didn’t think David was capable of murder.’

‘That’s right, but people change, don’t they? And . . . well, what worries me most, to be honest, is if David has lost it and he did kill Charlie, even accidentally. You might not know it, but he did attack me once, and then he tried to break into the house to get me and—’

Issy reached out a comforting hand and placed it on Angelina’s shoulder. ‘Hush now. I understand this situation is stressful for you.’

‘Yes, of course. Sorry for babbling. It’s all been very distressing.’

‘I understand. Now, why don’t you go and find Rory so he and I can have a little chat and I can get out of your hair?’

Angelina went to find Rory, and Issy, despite the confidence she had in her instincts and experience, knew she would be an awful lot happier when David Millar was located. She sipped her good coffee and waited.

Rory was sitting on the windowsill in his bedroom watching the snow. ‘The counsellor is here to see you, darling. She’s very friendly and I think you’ll like her.’

‘Okay, Mummy.’

‘When she’s gone, I thought perhaps you and I could go and build a snowman in the garden.’ She kissed the top of her son’s blond head.

‘No thank you. I prefer to stay warm inside.’

‘Come on, let’s get this over with.’ Angelina took his hand and led him to the door.

‘I don’t have to talk for long, do I? I’m so tired at the moment,’ Rory said as he followed his mother reluctantly down the stairs.

‘No. And remember, this lady is here to help you.’ Angelina put on a bright smile as she led him into the kitchen. ‘Rory, this is Isabella Sherriff.’

Issy stood up and came to shake Rory’s hand. ‘Hello, Rory, call me Issy. What do you think of the snow? Looks like I should have brought my sleigh and my reindeer, doesn’t it?’

Rory smiled weakly.

‘Now, shall we stay in here where it’s warm, or would you prefer us to sit somewhere else?’ She looked questioningly at Angelina.

‘Here is fine.’ Angelina pulled out a chair for Rory and made to pull one out for herself, but Issy stopped her.

‘Would you mind if Rory and I had a little chat by ourselves for a while? I promise I’ll scream very loudly if Rory looks like he’s going to beat me up.’

Rory smiled properly at that.

‘Okay. I’ll leave you both to it. Don’t tire him, will you?’

‘As long as he doesn’t tire me.’ Issy winked at Rory.

Satisfied Rory was okay, Angelina left the kitchen. She walked to the utility room to remove the clean load from the machine, then heard Julian’s work line ring. She walked across the passage to Julian’s study to pick it up.