‘We need to talk,’ Abby says, and it’s as simple as that. She’s through the door, wondering how it can feel so cold in Sienna’s house when it’s already twenty degrees outside. Perhaps it’s always been chilly in here; it’s funny what you notice when normality is stripped away.

Sienna says nothing until they’re in the kitchen. She stands by the bi-fold doors, staring out at the garden. ‘Are you finally going to tell the truth?’

Abby has expected this question. ‘If you’re willing to do the same,’ she replies.

Sienna turns, her eyes fixing on Abby. ‘I’ve got nothing to hide. I’m not guilty of anything.’

Abby steps towards her; she needs to prove that she’s not afraid. When she speaks, her words are slow and precise. ‘I don’t know where Greg is. I have nothing to do with him disappearing and I know nothing about it. I’m sorry he’s gone, but I can’t tell you anything.’

Sienna sighs. ‘You see, this is exactly why we have a problem, because you’re not being honest, are you, Abby?’

‘How about you be honest with me? Why did you cancel my job interview from that fake email account? You know how much I need a new teaching job. Actually, don’t bother answering that. I know why you did it, and it’s despicable.’

Sienna places her finger on the glass, rubs away a smear.

‘So too is sleeping with other people’s husbands, isn’t it?’

This is when Abby knows she has to leave. Sienna knows too much and there’s no way she’ll listen to anything Abby has to say, not like this. There has to be another way. ‘It was a mistake coming here. I should have known that. Just stay away from me and Rob or it will be me going to the police.’

She turns and walks back to the front door, Sienna following closely behind her.

‘You’re not denying it then? I never had you down as that kind of person. If I’d known what you were like, I would never have let myself think you were a decent friend.’

Abby almost stops. She wants to defend herself, to help Sienna understand, but she knows it’s futile; ultimately there is no defence. It’s only when the door slams behind her that she realises she’s lost the chance to put things right.

She’s making a cup of coffee when the doorbell rings that afternoon. Her first thought is that it’s Sienna, but when she opens the door, sees the man holding up his badge, Abby knows this is much worse.

‘Abby Nichols? I’m DC Roberts. Do you have a minute?’

Her body heats up. She doesn’t want to let him in. Does she have to? She’s not sure what her rights are.

‘Can I come in?’