Maybe she had misjudged this. ‘Yes, I think so. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come.’

‘How did you get here? Did you drive?’ As he asked the question, he was looking around for her car.

‘No, I got a taxi.’ She paused, feeling foolish. ‘Look. This was stupid. I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be home.’

Liam was thoughtful for a moment, then he nodded. ‘Well I am now, so you might as well come in.’

Not quite the welcome she had expected, but then was she really surprised, given how she had treated him so far.

Hannah stepped aside as he unlocked the door, ushering her through. The place was cosy and comfortable. Wooden floors, mismatched sofas, and a large table, an archway leading through to what she could see was a small kitchen. Property was at a premium in North Norfolk and a rental like this wouldn’t be cheap. She thought of the car again and the isolated location, still a little jittery with nerves.

‘Are you sure everything’s okay?’ Liam had shut the door now and was studying her more closely. He stepped out of the path of Tank, who barged between them, heading straight for the kitchen, where he started crunching on biscuits. ‘You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’

‘Did you just pass another car?’

‘No, why?’

‘Not on the road leading here?’

‘No. What’s going on, Hannah?’

‘Someone was here.’

‘What? Who was here?’

‘I don’t know. I didn’t see whoever it was. The headlights were on. I thought it was you at first. This road is a dead end, so there was no reason for anyone to be down here.’ The words were all coming out in a rush and Hannah realised she was shaking, annoyed when she saw Liam had spotted it too.

‘Okay, you’re not making a lot of sense.’ He guided her to one of the sofas, telling her to sit down. As she sank into the plush cushions, he disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a can of Coke. ‘Drink this,’ he ordered, pulling back the ring cap and pushing it into her hand. ‘It will help with the shaking.’

Hannah didn’t really want the Coke, was more embarrassed now than annoyed, but she did as told, the cushions dipping as he sat down beside her, aware he was watching her closely. Her face heated, not appreciating the scrutiny.

‘I probably overreacted.’ She tried to downplay the situation. ‘But thank you for the Coke.’

‘Maybe.’ Liam didn’t sound convinced. ‘I’d still like to know what happened. Can you talk me through it?’