I’d deleted the message, after trying to call the number and making a note of it, then blocked the sender. That was the right thing to do, wasn’t it? I ask myself, watching as Georgie tries the handle of the French doors. I feel wary of leaving the house. What if Connor is still out there? Waiting for me. Still, better to be with Georgie than stay in the house. He can’t do anything to me if I’m with others, outside.

‘No, I’d like to come,’ I say, popping my phone into my jeans pocket.

I’d changed out of the blue dress after getting the message. I’d almost ripped it off in my haste. ‘I could do with some fresh air.’

‘Did you see Jack this morning?’ says Georgie, scooping up her door keys from the kitchen counter.

‘Yes,’ I reply, checking, despite Georgie already doing so, that the French windows are locked. ‘He was up and about early, said he’s on a fitness kick.’

‘Hmm,’ says Georgie, a frown darkening her face.

‘He came back then went to get some milk,’ I say, getting my sandals from the rack in the hallway. ‘I think he’s in his study.’

‘Nessa and I are off for brunch and shopping,’ Georgie calls down the hallway. ‘We’ll be back around three.’

‘Righty-ho,’ calls Jack, his voice muffled. ‘Have fun.’

‘Come on then,’ says Georgie, taking my arm. ‘I’m starving.’

She opens the front door and we step out into bright sunshine.

‘Gosh, it’s only 10.30 and it’s scorching,’ says Georgie as she locks the door. ‘I’m glad I remembered to put my sunblock on.’

She strides down the path while I check that the door is locked. Despite watching Georgie do it just moments earlier I feel I have to double-check, just to be certain. I think back to that message and shiver in spite of the heat.

As Georgie and I cross the common I turn my head from left to right, scrutinizing everyone we see, scanning the crowds for his face.

Chloe’s Deli is situated on the edge of the common on a little side road that leads into the village. Georgie points to one of the outside tables, which looks very inviting, but I can’t risk sitting in such a prominent spot. Anyone could see me there, photograph me … I shudder at the thought.

‘Can we sit inside?’ I ask. ‘That sun’s rather fierce and I don’t want to burn.’

Georgie is understanding and we take a table by the counter where she spends the first five minutes chatting to the owner, Chloe, about sourdough recipes, before the woman is pulled away to serve another customer.