That night, a storm broke across the cliff. Rain thick as embroidery swept across the forest, drumming the roof of the house and worming its way through the slates, dripping into the attic. Purple lightning whipped across the skies in tremendous arcs. I was worried that the house would collapse or that the roof might cave in, but when I heard Maren race upstairs with a mop and bucket, I was suddenly seized by a suspicion. I remembered I had used one of Sophie’s referees. What was her name? Verity? What if she’d emailed the real Sophie to check up on how she was getting on? She would doubtless have emailed Maren straight away once she found out that Sophie had never actually interviewed for the job.

Quickly, I tiptoed to the office, where I knew Maren had been working before the rain started. Tom was in his studio at his enormous easel, the floorboards creaking every time he shifted in his seat. I went into the office and pulled the door slightly shut, then turned on the computer. It was still logged into Maren’s user account.

I found the email icon and clicked on it, and immediately Maren’s inbox was on the screen. Ninety-four unread messages. Many of them in relation to the project management of the build, some of them urgent. More than half were more than three days old. Why hadn’t Maren checked them? Wasn’t she employed to do the housework and admin? I remembered then a comment she’d made about being a ‘Luddite’ – obviously she wasn’t keen on admin that involved technology.

I scrolled down. Some from Tom, a dozen from his accountant with red exclamation marks. But there was one email, right at the bottom of the list, that made me freeze. The subject was ‘Application for Nanny Position’. The sender was Sophie Hallerton.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Application for Nanny Position

Dear Maren

I am writing to apply for the nanny position advertised a few weeks ago – I do hope that I’m not too late and that you’re still accepting applications!

I have extensive experience working with children in a variety of capacities, and I am available immediately to accompany them to Norway. I have attached my cover letter and CV here and look forward to hearing more if the position is still available.

My very best,

Sophie Hallerton

I could not believe what I was reading. Sophie had actually applied for the job. What had happened to her pregnant friend? Maybe she had lost the baby. Poor Seren.

Whatever the cause of Sophie’s change of heart, I had to act fast. I blocked her email from Maren’s account.