‘So? I told you he works unsocial hours. What’s that got to do with anything?’

‘I don’t know,’ I say with a shrug. ‘But it feels relevant.’ I know I’m grasping at straws, but I’m desperate for her to open up; tell me why she acts so strangely in her own home.

‘Haven’t you got enough drama going on in your own house and family, Amber? Surely you don’t feel the need to make waves for me, too?’

‘That’s not what I’m doing. I’m worried about you, Davina.’ I drop my voice to a whisper. ‘Something isn’t right here.’

‘I really don’t have a clue what you’re trying to say, but you’re making me uncomfortable. Can you leave now, please?’

There are tears in her eyes. I’ve pushed too far. ‘I’m sorry, Davina,’ I say as I head out. When I’m back on the doorstep, I turn to face her. ‘I’m only trying to be a good friend.’

‘So am I, Amber,’ she says, slowly, her eyes boring into mine. ‘So am I,’ she repeats quietly, before slamming the door in my face.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Amber

‘I’m beginning to question what the hell is going on in Stockwood. I’ll be glad when I’m out of it,’ I say to a perplexed-looking Jo as I flounce back into my house.

‘I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,’ she says, raising her eyebrows towards Keeley.

‘It’s no joke, Jo. Too many things are happening, odd things, and now Davina is acting strange too.’

‘Oh, like she wasn’t before?’

‘I know I’ve not had the best things to say about her in the past, but we’d been getting on, and I was even beginning to like the woman.’

‘And now?’

‘She’s just shut the door in my face!’

‘Are you sticking your nose in where it’s not wanted, Ms Miller?’

‘You can mock me all you like. Let me give you a rundown on everything that’s been happening, shall I? Then maybe you won’t be finding this all sooo amusing.’ I stop to take a breath. ‘Where are the boys anyway?’ I look around me. It’s too quiet.

‘On the trampoline,’ Keeley says. ‘You were taking so long I was about to join them.’

‘I’m sorry, I had to speak with Davina there and then.’

I proceed to list everything I’ve been experiencing, repeating some of the things they already knew. The house. Carl. Carl and the affairs. Davina’s odd behaviour and the invisible Wayne. Barb. The missing picture. The cut-out face in the sink. And lastly, the conversation with Finley and how he’d sparked a theory I hadn’t considered. When I finally stop speaking, Jo and Keeley are both sitting with their mouths agape.

‘That’s quite a list.’