‘Fine, come on in, then.’ I open the front door and turn to watch him walk in. He doesn’t cast his eyes in the direction of the broken bell, nor does he mention it. I’m assuming he must’ve seen it though, as he’s obviously been waiting for a while. Which also strikes me as odd. He usually calls ahead. ‘And you, Davina,’ I say, beckoning her in. I don’t want to be alone with this creep, and I want a witness to whatever is said.

Once inside the lounge, Carl sits on the sofa and opens his diary. ‘Okay, then. Let’s see.’ He flicks through some pages, then looks up, his gaze directly on mine. His confidence infuriates me. ‘Several prospective viewers cancelled last minute, I’m afraid. It seems a few were wary of the development plans. I tried to reassure them, but, of course, I can’t guarantee those plans won’t go ahead at the next planning meeting. So …’

‘You’re telling me every single interested party suddenly became uninterested just before the viewing time?’

Carl silently nods.

‘Doesn’t that seem odd to you, Carl?’

‘It’s very disappointing, I agree. But I suppose it was always going to be a challenging house sale …’

‘Oh, really? Funnily enough you never mentioned that when you took my house on your books. When you were keen to get me to sign the agreement. I think your words were more in line of, “Don’t worry, Mrs Miller, I’ve got the best reputation for moving even the most awkward property,” or words to that effect. Am I wrong?’

‘I don’t have a crystal ball, Amber.’

‘Hah. No, and neither do I, which is a shame, because I could’ve saved myself a whole lot of stress if I hadn’t signed with Move Horizon.’

‘I understand you’re upset; it’s a particularly stressful time in your life. And I’m very sorry I haven’t been able to secure a buyer, yet …’

‘And you won’t,’ I cut in. ‘Because I’m going to find a new estate agent to do the job you’re finding so challenging.’

‘Let’s not be hasty, Amber. I think you’ll find it’s not me that is the problem here. And besides, you’re tied in for five months – it’s in the contract.’

‘Then I’ll simply take the house off the market, Carl.’

‘Please, let’s calm down—’ Carl swipes his forehead with the back of his hand. I can see the gleam of sweat on his top lip, too.

‘I’m perfectly calm,’ I say, and look to Davina. ‘Don’t you think, Davina? This is me, calm, isn’t it?’

‘Perfectly calm,’ Davina agrees, shooting Carl a sarcastic grin.