He tailed off. He could hardly believe he was having to consider these dreadful possibilities. Yet Edward deVillars had proven himself to be ruthless and Camille’s behaviour was unpredictable. The old man would be anxious to make sure she did not cause any more trouble.

As a compromise, Will used Marnie’s phone to call the police and told them he’d recently gone past Blackwater House and heard an argument taking place inside – a man’s voice raised in anger, making threats. Beside him Marnie fidgeted. She didn’t think this was the right tactic.

Next, Will messaged Emily, who gave him Guy deVillars’ phone number. Will called Guy but Guy didn’t want to listen.

‘First you threaten and accuse me and now you’re turning on my father!’ he cried. ‘Why should I believe a word you say? Why should anyone?’

‘I was wrong about you and I’m sorry but—’

‘It’s ludicrous to suggest that my father would lay a finger on my mother. He worships the ground she walks on! I’ve never known a couple so close.’

‘Please,’ begged Will, ‘if you wake up tomorrow to find out there’s been some accident at Blackwater House and—’

‘Fuck off, will you,’ Guy said. ‘Leave my family alone. Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage?’

He cut off the call.

* * *

Will and Marnie decided there was nothing for it but to make sure Camille deVillars was safe themselves for the coming night. After that they’d have time to come up with a better plan.

Will borrowed John’s shoes, which were a little on the tight side, but then so were the clothes that Marnie had lent him. They left John with the girls and dogs and went back to the Big House. Marnie parked on the verge, in a place where they could see the house and its windows through the gateway. There were no streetlamps on that road. If anyone should look out, they would be hidden by the darkness.

Lights shone in the living-room window, in the hall, stairs and landing, and in the attic windows. The curtains were drawn across the barred window beneath the main gable; the window of Mrs deVillars’ bedroom.

After a few minutes, lights approached from the direction of the town and a police car turned into the drive.

‘Bingo,’ whispered Will.

Two police officers climbed out of the car, went to the front door, knocked and were admitted inside. Moments later, Guy’s Jaguar followed. Guy let himself in to the house with his own key.

From the patterns of shadows and movement, it was clear that the police and Guy were talking to Mr deVillars in the living room. The curtains were open and at one point Guy came to stand by the window, looking out, a tumbler of whisky in his hand. At another Mr deVillars stood with his back to the window, gesticulating in an exasperated fashion.