‘I think I know what this is about. And while I know it might sound alarming and you obviously are concerned about Leo’s wellbeing – I’d be disappointed if you weren’t – this isn’t anything to do with my new relationship, I can assure you. Richard has barely been to our house. This all stems from an unfortunate misunderstanding between myself and my estate agent – the house has been on the market for some time – and after an open house event, I came home and checked the house thoroughly because I’d felt uncomfortable about the whole thing – strangers all walking around my home; it was an odd sensation. Anyway, I didn’t realise but I’d given the boys the impression I thought someone was inside the house. I inadvertently frightened them. Obviously I explained all this, but Leo had a nightmare that night. Until now, I hadn’t been aware the dreams had continued. So, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll be able to deal with it from here.’

I’m about to walk off, when Miss Emery tugs my arm to prevent me leaving. I turn to face her.

‘Who is your estate agent? If you don’t mind me asking.’

I don’t mind her asking, although it strikes me as a strange thing to ask at this time. ‘Move Horizon. Are you looking for a house to buy in Stockwood?’

Miss Emery’s face loses its colour. ‘Oh … er … no. I’m not; not right now.’ She seems to come to a stuttering halt, and I think she’s about to walk away. But then she continues. ‘So, that’s Carl Anderson, then?’

I’m taken aback. ‘It is. Why?’

‘Oh, just curious,’ she says and gives what appears to be a very forced smile. ‘I’ll let you get on. Do let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with Leo. Always best to attack these things from both sides, don’t you think?’ She turns her back and disappears inside without waiting for my response. I’m left with a disconcerting feeling.

The man in the house.

Carl Anderson.

Are the two linked?

I’d had my suspicions about Carl – but only in that he might have lost my key or allowed Barb to use it. The latter being most likely given Barb’s visit to his office. With Davina’s account of him taking the same people to the house on numerous occasions and now Miss Emery’s odd reaction to finding out Carl’s my estate agent, my suspicions are mounting. I definitely saw Carl leave the house on the day of the open house event.

But that doesn’t mean he didn’t let himself back in again.

Gooseflesh shoots up my arms.