‘Yes. And he led her on, saw her week after week, making her promise not to tell a soul. Then, unfortunately for Paula—Miss Emery, he lost interest and moved on to his next conquest. She was distraught.’

‘How do you know this?’

‘Because I was the one who walked in on them.’

‘At school?’ Now my shock is audible. I turn around and check to see that Leo and Finley are still at the top of the field.

‘No, no.’ Yolande shakes her head. ‘That’s not his style. I walked in on them in my own house!’

‘I – I don’t understand.’

‘My house was on the market with Move Horizon last year. Carl Anderson was showing Miss Emery around and I found them kissing. In my bedroom! I mean, they parted quickly and pretended nothing was happening, but it was obvious from her embarrassment. Anyway, she caught me after school the next day to apologise.’

‘Wow, I’m shocked. What did you do?’

Yolande’s eyes widen. ‘Well, I wanted to make a fuss about it, if I’m honest. Hardly professional, is it? But, Paula begged me not to say anything. It seems it wasn’t a one-off, they were having an affair. By all accounts she really fell for the creep. She didn’t want it all to come out, for obvious reasons; didn’t want her career to be affected, either. So, naturally, I kept quiet.’

Naturally? She’s not at all bothered now, seeing as she’s told me about it. And, I’m assuming, half the playground mums.

‘Did your house sell?’

Yolande looks confused. She’s probably wondering why that’s what I’m curious about. ‘I took it off the market – obviously, Amber – as I’m still here.’ She gives an irritating giggle.

‘Oh, right. I didn’t know if you’d merely moved to a bigger house in Stockwood,’ I say, making sure I accentuate “bigger”. She glares at me, but says nothing. ‘As you said that Carl is the cause of Miss Emery’s problems, am I to assume this affair is now over? Did Carl’s wife find out?’

‘It’s over, I know that. But as far as I can tell, Carl’s wife is none the wiser.’

‘I find that hard to believe.’

‘I told you, I didn’t tell anyone. Apart from you, now.’

‘I’m not saying you did. But surely other people know? Can’t get away with much in this village. So many gossips.’

‘Yes, but they live just outside the village; his wife doesn’t move in the same circles.’