‘Of course it is. I remember where I scattered my own husband’s ashes,’ I say, curtly.

‘Yes … yes. I’m sure you do.’

His voice is quieter. I turn to see that he’s walking away, but he calls back to me.

‘I’ll be seeing you,’ he shouts, with a wave of his hand.

Not if I see you first.

Chapter Sixty-One

Amber

I’m fairly confident now that Finley isn’t acting up and that he’s not behind the strange things happening in the house. He has, however, given me food for thought. Could it really be possible Nick’s missing brother has shown up now, after so long? It would make sense for him to return to the last place he knew; his home prior to him running away, or his abduction – or whatever else Nick has been wondering about all these years – because it’s clear from our last conversation about his current cold case, he does still believe something happened to Tim. Something bad.

What would he say if I was to suggest Tim might be alive and well – and back in Stockwood? I laugh to myself. It’s ridiculous. Why on earth would Tim come back now? And why would he come to an open house rather than just knock on the front door and declare himself “back”? The theory doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, although I can’t quite let go of it. People act in mysterious ways, especially if they’re trying to hide something.

I look out the lounge window while thinking about all of this madness. Davina’s house is visible, but I can’t see the front door from this position. I haven’t set eyes on her since yesterday’s escapade. I’m surprised she hasn’t come across, or tried to catch me as she usually does; I’d have thought she’d be keen to get any updates following our surveillance operation. Has she lost interest? Maybe being “in” with me isn’t as exciting as she thought it would be. Perhaps I bore her.

Weirdly, I’m hurt at the thought.

I notice three figures rounding the corner and walking towards the house. Jo and Keeley are bringing Leo home. I open the front door and walk up the path. He’s only been gone a few hours, but I miss having both of the boys here with me. As I stand waiting for them to reach me, arms crossed to keep the chilly air off my chest, I catch a flicker of light from the corner of my eye. One of Davina’s upstairs lights has just come on. I walk further along the pavement so I can get a better view. There’s a figure silhouetted in the top window. Looks to be too tall for Davina. Is this the mysterious Wayne? I stare for a second, then turn my attention to Leo.