‘Okay, okay.’ Jo’s stream of consciousness is making my chest tight. But her thoughts mirror my own. ‘I can’t lie, Jo – it has been something I’ve considered, too. I got a call from him the other day – and it came just as I’d said out loud that I wanted to call him. I started thinking last night that maybe it wasn’t a fluke after all; he’d heard me say it. Although, at this point, I think almost everyone is on my suspect list. Apart from you, of course.’

‘You shouldn’t discount anyone,’ Jo says, half mocking.

‘I know. Barb’s still on it, as well.’ I sigh.

‘Makes sense to keep an eye on her. Don’t for one second let her fool you into thinking she’s not capable; I wouldn’t put anything past that woman.’

‘Exactly. Why is Barb – and Nick for that matter – so adamant we shouldn’t sell to the developers? Is it really just to do with her memories of the house and not wanting to upset the other villagers? Or is there more to it? That postcard Davina told me about, it rang alarm bells. It’s only a hunch – but I think she’s hiding something.’

Jo nodded. ‘Everyone has something they’d rather others didn’t find out about. I suspect she’s got a fair few skeletons in her closet.’

‘Agreed. More delving required there. And, talking of our dear friend, Davina – where are we up to with her and the invisible Wayne?’ I ask. It was Keeley who’d been tasked with this.

‘Ugh!’ Jo’s shoulders slump. ‘It’s so weird. Anything regarding Wayne is very vague. Most people Keeley spoke to said the same – they’ve never properly met him, have only caught fleeting glances. They’ve lived here for seven years or so! It’s not normal in a village, is it?’

‘Not at all. I’m seriously debating if he even exists; I mean, surely someone has seen him at the pub, doctor’s surgery, post office – something. I’ve seen who I assume to be Wayne leaving in his car, sensed his presence when I’ve been at Davina’s, but nothing firm. It’s ridiculous to think no one’s met the man. Maybe we’re not speaking to the right people. Davina did say he worked unsocial hours, and often worked away. Perhaps it’s just that. I’m going to have to push Davina on it, though; ask to meet him. My curiosity is killing me.’

‘Right, are we all caught up?’ Jo asks.

‘For now, I think. Will you keep me updated on anything else you find out, please?’

‘Likewise.’ She pauses. ‘What about coming to stay here for a bit, like I said? I think it’d be a wise move.’

I’m both touched and further unnerved by her concern. ‘I’ll give it some serious thought, Jo. Thank you.’