She whistled to the dogs, rewarding Cookie and Spot, who came running immediately, with a dog biscuit each from the stash she kept in her bag. Rufus was always the stubborn one, initially ignoring her as he charged along the water’s edge with the frisbee in his mouth. He soon came bounding over when he realised he was missing out on treats.

As Hannah clipped on their leads and headed into the woods, the curtain of trees blocked out the sun, the temperature becoming cooler. This was one of her favourite parts of the walk, as she drew in the scent of the pine cones, the crunch of twigs underfoot overriding the thrash of the waves. She often had the woods to herself at this time of the morning, though never felt unsafe, the dogs alerting her if they heard anyone coming. Out here was a good place to be alone with her thoughts and make decisions. And right now, she needed to figure out what she was going to do about her mother and stepfather’s silver wedding anniversary party.

In two weeks’ time, she would have to return home to the sleepy village of Hixton in Suffolk, where she had grown up. As it was for a special occasion, her mother wanted her to stay for the weekend, while Hannah had plans to drive home after the party. It had been a bone of contention the last few times they spoke and Hannah was beginning to realise that unless she could find a compromise, she might have to give in.

She had left Hixton when she was nineteen, glad to put the place with all its bad memories behind her, and she avoided returning home for visits unless it was necessary. She never stayed the night, not even at Christmas, preferring to make the two-hour drive home, but on this occasion her mother was putting her foot down. The idea made her queasy.

Hannah was still searching for a solution when her pocket started vibrating, the sound reverberating through the woods. She reached for her phone, frowning when she saw the face of her best friend, Rosie, on the screen. It wasn’t yet 8 a.m. Rosie was never awake before 8 a.m.

‘Hey, you’re up early.’

‘Hannah?’ Rosie’s voice was a panicked whisper. ‘I need you to come and get me.’

‘Why? Where are you?’

‘There’s this guy and I’m at his house. We’re in the middle of nowhere. I want to go home.’

Hannah’s heart started thudding. ‘What do you mean there’s a guy? What happened? Did he force you to go against your will? Where’s your car?’

‘It’s back in the city. Please, Hannah. You have to help me before he wakes up.’

‘I’ll call the police.’

‘No! No, don’t call them.’

‘Has he hurt you?’

‘Just come and get me, please! I’ll explain when you get here.’