‘No. Not yet.’ Davina’s eyes don’t make contact with mine. This is not the Davina who was in my house yesterday. I’ve never met her husband. In fact, I’ve barely even set eyes on him bar the odd glimpse of a man leaving the house. The fact I can sense his presence as he stays, silently, in the kitchen is slightly unnerving. Part of me wants to ask if she’s okay, but I feel it’s too intrusive. We’re not friends, really; I don’t feel comfortable delving further. Although, I know she wouldn’t have the same regard for my privacy. I shift uncomfortably on the sofa. I’d put money on them having been in the midst of a marital blow-up just prior to me knocking on their door. I’m surprised she let me in.

Maybe I was her saviour. Though from my point of view the timing was terrible, what if it was perfect timing for Davina – a way of preventing her husband arguing with her further? I’m intrigued about what they were arguing about, which is a terrible admission, but I can’t help myself. I sit forward and look towards the kitchen, then turn to Davina.

‘Everything all right, Davina?’ I keep my voice low, almost a whisper.

She gives me a small, meek smile. ‘Yes, yes of course.’ She matches my hushed tone.

‘Would you be able to pop over to mine for coffee? I need you to see something.’ I say this louder, so her husband can hear my offer.

Davina’s eyes widen with what I imagine is curiosity. ‘Erm … I should start writing,’ she says, her voice also loud. I’m taken aback by this refusal; I felt certain she’d immediately take me up on the offer.

‘It would really help me out,’ I say. ‘I won’t keep you long.’

Davina nods and disappears into the kitchen, returning with a small handbag that looks brand new. There was no audible discussion between her and her husband. ‘Let’s go, then.’ Davina is out of the front door before I even get up from the sofa. I hurry out after her, slamming their front door behind me.

‘Ooh, what’s happened to your doorbell?’ Davina asks as we are about to enter my house. My shoulders slump.

‘Ah. Well, I was kind of hoping you could tell me,’ I say as I step inside.

‘It was nothing to do with me,’ Davina says abruptly. ‘How would I know?’

I’m startled by her reaction and for a moment my mouth opens and shuts without words coming out. I splutter an explanation. ‘Oh, erm … I wasn’t accusing you, Davina. I guess I was just hoping you may have seen something. You mentioned yesterday you sit at the front window when you write …’