Guilty. That jars me into action. ‘I didn’t murder my mother-in-law. That isn’t the issue,’ I reply, voice clipped. ‘The case against me was rather entrenched,’ I continue. ‘I’m surprised it’s over so abruptly, and I’m simply curious to know what happened.’

She doesn’t reply. ‘Pack your things. I’ll escort you to the exit.’

‘I want to see my lawyer. I want to know what’s happened before I leave.’

‘Are you implying you don’t want to leave?’

‘Goddammit. I’m implying I want to see my solicitor, John Thornton,’ I bark.

Hours later, after collecting my confiscated possessions, and signing a barrage of forms, I am finally shown into the meeting room where John Thornton is waiting for me, dressed in his city suit. He stands up and hugs me, smelling of citrus and musk.

Brown eyes twinkle into mine. ‘I’m so pleased for you. I knew you’d be OK. But I’m thrilled your ordeal is over.’

‘Not as thrilled as I am.’

He smiles, his cheeky, dimple-assisted smile. ‘Maybe not, but nevertheless, I’m thrilled, believe me.’

‘Thank you, John.’

We sit down opposite one another. I take a deep breath. ‘I want to be armed with the details of why I have been released, before I go home to talk to Miles. He has been so suspicious of me, which has been heart-breaking.’ I pause. ‘I know it has been hard for him, still grieving his mother.’

‘OK. First things first. As you suspected, the police found no dirt on your computer.’

I nod my head. ‘I told you.’

He leans across the table and puts his hand on my arm. ‘Never mind Miles, this has been very hard on you too.’

I swallow. ‘Yes. Losing such a close family member has been very painful in itself, never mind being accused of her murder.’

He takes my hand and squeezes it. ‘As you know, the autopsy discovered that Caprice had cancer.’

‘Yes. Poor, poor, Caprice. Miles was so upset she hadn’t told us.’

Slowly, slowly, he shakes his head. ‘It is really sad. The police confiscated her computer and ran a check on it. They discovered she was ordering the arsenic from the darknet herself, in order to speed up her end. The police now believe she did indeed set you up – as you told them in the first place.’