‘Look, it might just be coincidence. But, he could really bank in on the deal if you think about it. He gets the residents of Apple Grove to sell to the developers, and in time, he gets to be the estate agent who sells the places they build on the purchased ground. A tidy commission for him, I imagine. And probably far more than he’d get from a standard house sale. Especially if they’ve promised him big money if he can secure the Apple Grove sales without getting his hands dirty.

‘Shit. That’s unbelievable.’ My mind whirls as I attempt to take in this information. ‘Carl has brought up, on numerous occasions, how it would be quicker and easier for me to sell to the developers due to lack of interest.’

‘I mean, this is all circumstantial, I know, but it’s certainly added an interesting spin on this whole thing, hasn’t it?’

‘Oh, yes. And it explains rather a lot. He’s probably the one trying to frighten me out of my own home. Moving stuff, turning off the power, maybe even coming inside the house at night – all so I might hurry the process up so he can get his cut. I’m shocked, Jo. And worried. I told him I was relieving him of his services, taking the property off the market if that’s what it takes, and now I’m wondering what lengths he’ll go to, to ensure I don’t do that.’

‘Come and stay here, Amber. There’s plenty of room.’

‘That’s really kind of you. I might well have to take you up on that. Last night I set my phone up to record and someone turned the light off so they couldn’t be seen. Moved my coffee table in front of the lounge door, blocking it, then must’ve gone out the back door. Meaning they have a key—’

‘Fucking hell, Amber! Why didn’t you tell me this as soon as you walked in?’

‘Sorry. My mind is all over. And I’ve got no evidence. Again. Someone knew I’d set my phone to record them. In which case, I’m seriously concerned there’s still some form of recording device in the house.’

‘Then you have to call the police and get it checked.’

‘Nick did a sweep of the house when I first told him about the missing thirteenth viewer. He didn’t find anything untoward.’

‘Hmmm. Well, in my mind that doesn’t prove anything. You can’t rule out the possibility it could be him who put the recording devices in the house in the first place! Maybe he hasn’t let go; he wants to watch you, keep tabs on you. Listen to your conversations.’