I try to recall how Hollie was, the last few times I saw her. ‘I’m sure something was going on. It wasn’t just what Stephanie said. The last time I saw Hollie in the churchyard, she was definitely upset. She’d taken the day off school. In fact, I even asked her what she was hiding …’ I look at DS May, remembering Hollie’s agitation. ‘She said there was nothing. But she was lying. I’m sure of it.’

DS May nods. ‘I’m seeing her form teacher tomorrow. She may be able to shed some light on whatever was going on. We need to speak to Niamh again, too, especially now that we’re looking at a murder inquiry. If Hollie was afraid of anyone, she may have confided in her.’

Knowing Niamh doesn’t find it easy talking to the police, I’m torn between protecting her and wanting to help. I nod. ‘I’ll ask her. She’s very upset – she tends to bottle things inside.’ It’s happened even more so as she’s got older, but then, Andrew and I are hardly a shining example.

‘It might be really helpful.’ DS May gets up. ‘Perhaps I could come back later on? When she’s back from school?’

My heart sinks. None of this is easy for Niamh. ‘She’s usually home around four.’

*

After DS May leaves, I stand at the kitchen window, watching her hurry across the drive and get into her car. As she drives away, I wonder who else in the village she’s talking to about Hollie. Shivering, I glance at the sky, heavy with rain that shows no signs of easing.

In the quiet of the house, I wonder if I should have told her about seeing James in the woods. No matter, I can tell her later, when she comes back. But unwanted thoughts fill my head, until finally I have to get out. It’s raining too hard to go for a run, so I pull on my coat, dash to my car and set off for Della’s.

The road has flooded in places and I drive slowly through the water overflowing from the streams on either side. A torrent of water pours down the drive outside the Calders’ house. Managing to sidestep it, I get to the door.

Julian opens it. ‘Elise! How are you?’ He speaks with his usual air of bonhomie, but he looks surprised to see me. ‘You must come in. Dreadful, isn’t it?’

Unsure whether he’s talking about Hollie or the weather, I hover on the doorstep. ‘I was hoping to catch Della – is she around?’