Both women are silent in the cab, and when they pull up outside the address they’ve given the driver, Abby is struck by how different this part of London is to where she lives. It feels claustrophobic, as if all the buildings have sucked in breath and are waiting to exhale. That’s exactly how Abby herself feels.

The house they want has no front garden, and they’re still standing on the street when they reach the door.

Sienna is the one who steps forward, pressing the doorbell then standing back with her arms folded. She looks defensive, as if she’s ready for a battle, and Abby can’t imagine how she’s feeling in this moment; for Sienna, the stakes are so much higher.

A woman in her fifties answers the door. She’s small and neatly dressed in a roll-neck jumper and long skirt. She looks at them and smiles.

‘Hi,’ Sienna says, full of confidence. ‘I’m looking for Mrs Hall, but we’re not sure she still lives here?’

The woman’s brow furrows. ‘I’m Mrs Hall. Kerry. Can I help you?’

Sienna is nodding. She appears calm, but Abby knows there will be a rush of adrenalin surging through her; that’s how she feels too.

‘I understand this might be a bit difficult for you, but my husband was your daughter Leela’s doctor, and I just wondered if I could talk to you about a few things? I’m so sorry to have to ask this, but I think you’ll realise why I am if you’ll let me explain?’ She reaches into her bag and pulls out her purse, searching through it until she finds what she’s looking for. ‘This is my driving licence. My husband was Greg Wells.’

Kerry stares at the card and nods. ‘Oh, yes. A lovely man.’ She hands it back. ‘You said was your husband?’

‘Yes, he died this summer.’ Sienna’s voice wobbles.

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘Do you think you could talk to us? Please?’

A heavy silence falls. Kerry Hall is staring at them, digesting everything Sienna has said, making a difficult decision. She looks from one to the other. ‘I… I suppose that’s okay. Um, do you want to come in?’

Like Kerry, her house is neat and tidy; she’s made the most of the space she has. It feels like a home. Lived in. Abby wonders how she’s found the effort and motivation to keep it this way when she’s lost her daughter.

‘Sit down, won’t you? Can I get you tea or coffee?’

‘We’re fine. Please don’t go to any trouble. This is my friend, Abby, by the way. She knew Greg well.’

Abby shouldn’t be surprised that Sienna’s saying this; she’ll be doing whatever she can to make Kerry Hall feel comfortable enough to open up about her daughter.