‘Can’t you call him? Turning up to where you think he lives is a little intrusive, don’t you think?’ My patience is already at its lowest after the conversation with Barb just now – this man isn’t doing anything to bolster it.

‘I wanted to do this in person. Face to face. I think he’ll appreciate that more than a phone call.’

‘Well, I’m sorry but that seems like it’s going to be your only recourse,’ I say. I go to walk past him and to my front door, to show him the conversation is over, but his arm flies out in front of me, stopping me from going further. I freeze.

‘Don’t panic. I’m not going to hurt you,’ he says, releasing it again. ‘You can pass on a message to Nicholas for me, can’t you?’

He knows I was lying about not knowing where he is. There’s no point me trying to make him believe otherwise. ‘I suppose.’

‘Can you tell him I’ve got something I need to get off my chest. And I only want to talk to him, no other copper – you hear?’

‘Okaaay,’ I say, slowly. ‘How can he contact you?’

‘Tell him to find me at the back of the Old Church House Inn. I’ll be waiting.’

‘Fine. And when would you like me to tell him to meet you?’ It’s like pulling teeth – he’s giving information in tiny chunks. It certainly makes sense he’s the one who sent the bracelet now – he clearly enjoys eking everything out so it’s all painstakingly slow and he has everyone hanging on his every word, his every move.

‘You’re a caustic one, aren’t you! I’d watch that attitude if I were you. You’ve no idea what’s coming.’

‘I’m in no mood for games, Mr …?’ I ask.

‘Me neither, love. I’ve had a lifetime of those.’ He bends to pick up his bag and begins walking away from me. ‘Tell him to be there tonight, at eight. Alone,’ he shouts over his shoulder. I watch as he walks across the road, heading towards the entrance of Apple Grove. I wait until he disappears from view, then I dive inside my house and lock the door behind me. I grab my phone and dial Nick, not even caring in this moment whether I’m being listened to, or by whom.

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Amber

His phone doesn’t even ring, it goes directly to voicemail. He’s probably got it turned off.

‘Damn, Nick. Where are you?’