Fleur offered them more drinks, biscuits, cake. It was obvious she didn’t want them to go. But Annie was keen to keep moving. They left, promising to keep in touch.

Back in the car, Callum asked, ‘Are we going to Leetoft now?’

‘Sure are. Let’s have a look for that nursery.’

‘I’m on it.’

Callum got on his phone.

‘There’s two nurseries in Leetoft, Mum. Starr-plants and M. L. Prescott and Sons.’

‘Addresses?’ Her boy was turning out to be rather useful.

‘Starr-plants is on Main Road. The map shows them next to a big house called Carlton Lodge.’ He scrolled down. ‘And the other one is in Rabbit Lane, all on its own, nothing else for miles.’

Fleur had said Sylvia lived close to her work, so it would be the first one.

‘Okay then. Starr-plants, here we come.’

They found it easily. The nursery consisted of a vast area of polytunnels. The entrance was fashioned to look like a big glass greenhouse, with a cash desk, a row of trolleys and a pile of wire baskets, followed by dozens of low tables stacked with colourful plants. A big sliding door at the back led to the polytunnels. Annie could see acres of benches holding more plants. A bored-looking woman was lounging against the desk. Business was obviously far from brisk today.

Annie picked up a tray of bright red flowers that were marked up at £3.99. She had no idea what they were, but they gave her an excuse for being there. ‘Afternoon,’ she said brightly. ‘You’re quieter than usual?’

‘Comes and goes,’ the woman said in a dull monotone. ‘We’re either rushed off our feet or dead, like this.’

‘Is Sylvia in today?’ Annie asked.

‘She’s off. Boss ain’t too happy either.’

Poor Sylvia, what a miserable place to work. A zombie for a co-worker and a boss who clearly had no sympathy for her plight. Fumbling in her purse for change, she wondered how to get this miserable woman to give her Sylvia’s address.

‘Mum? Can we go visit her? See if she’s all right? She might be sick.’ Callum was nudging her in the ribs. ‘She said to call in any time we’re passing, didn’t she?’

What a son I have! Destined either to become a police officer or a successful criminal. Annie gave a little laugh. ‘She did, but your stupid mother has forgotten the address.’

‘Jasmine Cottage,’ the woman said, accepting the money. ‘Four houses down. Can’t miss it — she spends most of her pay on garden plants.’

Annie smiled gratefully. It was only half past two and they had located two women. ‘Thank you very much. We’ll say hello for you, shall we?’

The woman shrugged and went back to lounging against the counter.

Back in the car again, she smiled at Callum. ‘You’re pretty good at this, aren’t you?’