Carl is in a strange mood today – he seems keen to get away even though I’ve purposely popped into the estate agent’s to see him. I don’t appreciate being fobbed off, and now, as he’s turning his back to me and about to walk out of the office without giving me his time, this is precisely what I tell him. He hesitates as he hears me say it – it’s as though I’ve paused him – he is perfectly still in mid-stride. He slowly rotates and faces me.

‘I’m so sorry, Mrs … er …’

‘Miller! You know full well what my name is, young man.’ I’m tired of his appalling attitude. Poor Howard would turn in his grave if he could see his son now. Carl does have the decency to blush, at least. Yes. He knows he’s in the wrong. He limps back towards me like a scolded dog.

‘Of course, I can’t apologise enough. It’s been a chaotic few days and I’m afraid I’ve dropped the ball, really.’

I’m intrigued by his admission. Dropped the ball, how? It’s possible he’s referring to the “misplaced” diary. I’m assuming Amber hasn’t found it and returned it yet.

‘Well, pick it back up, Mr Anderson. You’ve a lot of people counting on you,’ I say.

Carl gives a pensive nod. ‘Yes, quite,’ he mumbles. ‘What can I do for you, Mrs Miller?’

‘That’s better. And actually, it’s what I might be able to do for you. Can you take five minutes out of your busy schedule to discuss the property at Apple Grove?’

A dawning spreads across his face. He’s spoken to me on numerous occasions before now but I’m gathering by his expression that he hadn’t put two and two together. Suzanne has been the one to discuss things with me – Carl has always been on the periphery. Now, I feel, it’s time to make my feelings, my intentions, known to him, too.

‘You’re Amber Miller’s mother-in law,’ he states, nodding.

‘I am,’ I say. ‘And I don’t want her to sell that house.’ I don’t break eye contact with him. He retracts, taking a step back from me.

‘Well, okay – but I’m pretty sure you don’t have any say in what Amber does with the house. I’ve received my instructions from her and your son. Everything is signed—’