‘Like one of the other estate agents you mean?’ Jo says, suddenly.

‘Eh?’ For a split second I’m confused but realise I must’ve asked that question out loud. I’d assumed it had been just a thought in my own head.

‘You think Barb has what, paid someone off from the agency?’

‘No,’ I say. ‘No, I don’t think she has the funds for that, but she does have some sway in this village. I guess she might be able to convince one of them to sabotage the viewings – cancel them, say the property is under offer or something? Might explain why there’s been no interest.’

‘Let’s say she does have someone on the inside, she’d definitely know about this event today then, wouldn’t she? If no one turns up, then there must be a problem. But will Carl be honest enough to tell you no one showed?’

‘I’m sure Davina will be watching proceedings. She’ll tell me.’

‘True. She’s likely to be in there, getting first-hand info!’

We laugh for a moment. But then I have an idea.

‘Actually, why wait?’ I get my phone from my handbag. ‘I can see for myself.’ I grin as I brandish my mobile.

It’s a few minutes until the start time to the open house. Using my SmartRing app I can see who’s going in my home. ‘Here, look.’ I pop the phone on the table and open the app.

My slate-grey front doorstep appears on the screen.

Carl comes into view, a large book – probably his diary – clutched to his chest.

‘Ta-da!’ I smile. ‘Right, let’s see if nosy Davina or meddling Barb make an appearance, shall we?’

Chapter Eleven

Amber

Carl appears stressed. He’s pacing back and forth like a caged lion, his movements interspersed with an exaggerated checking of his mobile, presumably for the time. Why doesn’t he just go on in and wait? Acting like this, he’ll put people off without any help from Barb. We watch his continued pacing for the next five minutes.

‘Christ! Is no one going to show for this either?’ I look to Jo, whose expression is one of awkwardness. I can tell she wishes she’d not said anything and I’d not looked on the SmartRing app.

‘It’s early days?’ she offers.

‘What do you mean? It’s past the time on that bloody flyer. I mean, no shows? Not even Davina? I’m screwed.’ I slump back against the chair, my arms covering my face. This is disheartening; I have a tingling sensation in my eyes. I don’t want to cry.

‘Oh, hang on,’ Jo says. ‘Look … people!’

I sit upright and propel my face towards the phone screen. Yes, she’s right; there’s a small group of people congregating on the step. Carl is now unlocking the door.