Davina’s face visibly relaxes. ‘Oh. Of course, sorry. Yes, I usually do sit in front of the window and see everything that’s going on. But I’m afraid I broke my routine this morning and stayed in bed longer than usual. I didn’t see or hear anything.’

‘Oh, that’s okay.’ I try to hide my disappointment.

‘Any chance Mr Vickers saw something?’ Davina cranes her neck to look over the fence into next door’s house. ‘Hmm,’ she says before I respond. ‘Looks empty. I think he’s probably with his new lady friend; he’s staying with her a lot these days. I’m glad for him. I didn’t think the poor man would get over losing his wife.’

‘I know he’s rarely home but didn’t know why,’ I say, raising my eyebrows. Davina seems to know more than I do – there’s a surprise. We go on inside and I motion for Davina to sit on the sofa. I sit in the chair facing her. ‘Who would’ve wanted to break my bell?’

‘Kids?’ She shrugs. ‘There are so many on this estate, and they treat it as though it’s their playground. No respect for other people’s property or boundaries. Cheeky too, I might add. I’ve had to shoo loads out of my garden – they come in and out like they own it.’

‘It’s a possibility,’ I say.

Davina’s eyebrows knit together. ‘You obviously don’t think so. Who do you think has done it then?’

‘I don’t know who, exactly. But I’m beginning to suspect why.’

‘Oh? Go on.’ Davina sits forward, a look of anticipation on her face.

‘I’m being sabotaged. Or, rather, the house sale is. Someone, or even some people, don’t want me to sell this house.’ I curse myself for giving so much information away.

Davina considers this for a moment. ‘But why would breaking a bell be sabotaging your house sale?’

It’s a valid point. ‘I’m not sure either … I’m probably jumping to conclusions. Ignore me,’ I say, flitting my hand. Now I’ve voiced it, it does sound improbable and maybe I should just change the subject now.

‘No, it’s clearly something you’ve been thinking about. Have there been other things going on? Things that are adding to your suspicion?’

Davina’s concern is strangely comforting. Now, I either choose to bring her in on everything, or I play my cards close to my chest. Should I trust this woman? Or should I wait to discuss all of this with Jo? I don’t have any doubts about trusting her. But she’s not here right now. She doesn’t live right across the street and have immediate knowledge of comings and goings like Davina has.