Naomi unbuckled her seatbelt as Ed chose a parking spot. It wasn’t as if they were short of money – he’d insisted on paying for the lot.

‘I wanted a project that we could work on – as a family,’ she said, deciding to answer the question before it was asked. ‘Imagine the satisfaction we’ll get out of it when we’re done.’ She turned to Morgan, not quite meeting her gaze. ‘You can take some before and after photos. Decorate your own room. They love all that stuff on Instagram.’

But in reality, Naomi had been drawn here by dark curiosity. She wouldn’t rest until she discovered what happened to the Harpers. Somebody knew something. People didn’t just disappear into thin air. It had been Ed’s idea to move to the countryside. This was her compromise. Without the bright lights of the city to distract her, she would go around the bend. Her interest in the case would keep her occupied. She exchanged a glance with her husband as Morgan offered no response.

‘That’s a great idea, love.’ Ed filled the silence. ‘I’m sure we’ll do a fine job.’

He extinguished the car engine and activated the handbrake.

Dipping her head, Naomi rooted in her bag for the house keys. She wasn’t going to let Morgan dampen her day. A tingle of excitement shot through her as she clutched the squirrel-shaped keyring expectantly in her hand. She had planned everything with precision. The moving lorry would be here in the morning. Tonight, they would prepare space for their furniture. She hadn’t been able to wait another night. Sleeping bags, towels and blankets had been crammed into their car, along with suitcases of clothes and the folder containing all the evidence she had gained on the Harper case to date. She wasn’t just interested in this case. She was obsessed.

‘Just think.’ She turned to Morgan. ‘We can get a dog. Maybe a cat too!’ She would have promised her a unicorn if it meant winning her around.

‘Sounds great,’ Morgan said flatly. Pulling open her passenger door, she skulked out of the car and stepped on to the patchy gravel drive.

‘Give her time,’ Ed said softly, his flesh warm as he placed his hand over Naomi’s. ‘She’s had a lot of upheaval.’

‘I know. She’s trying.’ Naomi gave her husband a weak smile.

Ed snorted in response. ‘Honey, I’ve worked with enough actors to know when I’m being played. She’s biding her time, hoping things will change. But the sooner she comes to terms with things, the better. Her mum’s not capable of parenting her.’

It warmed Naomi that Ed could see through his daughter’s act.

‘So . . . do you want me to carry you over the threshold?’ he said, as they climbed out of the car.