‘That’s not strictly true,’ Robin pointed out. ‘Young Andy who delivers for Tesco said she had company the day before it happened.’

Liam’s ears pricked up. ‘She did?’

‘A woman was there when he dropped off her shopping. He remembers hearing them arguing.’

Liam’s mind was racing. ‘Did Andy give a description of this person?’

‘You’d need to ask him that.’

‘Do you know where I could find him?’

Robin looked at Liam. ‘Are you a journalist or something?’ she asked, her tone suddenly suspicious.

He held her gaze for a moment, sussing her out. ‘Friend of the family,’ he decided.

That was easier. He suspected the villagers would be wary of reporters.

She relaxed a little. ‘You should have said. Andy will be working, but you might be able to speak with him. I think you’ll be wasting your time. The police have already arrested the man who killed her.’

Forty minutes later, Liam was heading back to Croydon.

He had tracked Andy down, an eighteen-year-old who had been difficult to miss with his shock of bright red hair.

The kid had been more than happy to talk to him, especially when Liam discreetly slipped him twenty quid, and what he had to say turned out to be worth every penny.

Lauren hadn’t been alone when her shopping had been delivered and she had been agitated. There was someone else in the house with her, though Andy only heard the woman’s voice, never actually saw her.

Lauren and the mystery woman had been arguing when he was unloading the carts and it was clear she was trying to get her to leave.

‘She didn’t seem scared?’ Liam had asked.

Andy had shaken his head. ‘No, she wasn’t afraid. More like angry. I did wonder if it was a lovers’ tiff.’

‘Was there a second car there?’

‘No, just Miss Bell’s.’

‘Have you told the police about this?’

‘I didn’t think it was important. Should I?’ Andy had looked worried. ‘It was the evening before. Everyone knows that guy broke in during the night and killed her. That’s right, isn’t it?’

Liam had nodded, though didn’t say anything to confirm or deny. Instead he’d thanked the kid and left.

On the way back to Adrian’s, he called Hannah to check on her, a little irritated when Rosie answered her phone.

‘Is everything okay?’

‘We’re having a great time,’ Rosie told him smugly. ‘This is exactly what Hannah needed. A girls’ day.’

‘Where is she? Can you put her on?’

‘She’s soaking in the tub. I ran her a bath with my favourite oil.’

‘Nice.’ Liam had tried for enthusiastic, but the word came out a little sarcastic. He wasn’t really in the mood for discussing bubble bath with Rosie. ‘So can I speak to her?’

‘I’d rather not disturb her. She’s relaxing while I cook dinner.’