‘Not really. Other than not employing them for any building work, obviously.’ She gives a little laugh.

‘Of course.’ I wonder if there are any other little nuggets of information I can winkle out of her. I need to be subtle, though. I drop my shoulders and look sad. ‘It must have been awful for their children.’

‘I know, poor mites. I hardly ever saw them when they lived here – probably in their rooms on their devices all day. Not like when we were young – climbing trees and playing out in the fresh air. I can’t understand the fascination with those screens. It’s like some kind of brainwashing.’

‘Mmm.’ I don’t want to get drawn into a whinge about how things were better in her day, and I don’t think she has any further information. ‘Well, it’s been very nice chatting with you. Thanks for letting me know about Shaun, and sorry again for keeping you out in the rain.’

‘Not at all. Always happy to help. Glad I could put your mind at rest.’

I cross back over the road and get back into the car. She gives me a little wave, and it’s clear she’s not going back inside until she’s seen me drive off. I wanted to sit here for a moment more and digest what she’s just told me, but it looks like I’m going to have to move on, because I don’t fancy sitting here while the woman waits for me to leave. I need to get some more petrol anyway, and I’d better pick up a sandwich and some more water for my journey home.

I start up the car and drive slowly away. I can still see the neighbour standing on the pavement in the rain, watching my car, until I indicate left and turn out of Goldfinch Lane.

I feel strangely deflated now. And so tired. Now the adrenalin has worn off, my lack of sleep last night is finally catching up with me. Of course I’m glad that Shaun doesn’t appear to be dangerous. That it was white-collar crime, nothing to do with anger, or violence. But surely the fact that Shaun was in prison at all shows that he doesn’t play by the rules. That he’s capable of breaking the law to get what he wants. So there’s every likelihood that he’s broken the rules before and taken something else that didn’t belong to him – like a child.

31

Then