The keys in her hand jingled as she sorted through the bunch. ‘I’ve got spares here, if you want them. But don’t go wandering off on your own. I don’t want you getting lost in the woods. It’s a labyrinth out there. Wait until we know our way around.’

Naomi pulled off a ring with two keys and handed them over. She knew her opinion had little importance to the girl before her. ‘Morgan, did you hear what I said?’ she added as she headed towards the front door. ‘Your dad wants you to stick around, help us unpack. We can explore the village tomorrow. I’ll have sorted the Wi-Fi by then.’

The mention of her father made Morgan stop in her tracks. She would not risk pissing him off – at least, not yet.

‘Fine,’ Morgan said between clenched teeth, as her father carried in their sleeping bags. As if someone had flicked a switch, a smile rose to her face. ‘I’ve downloaded a movie on to my laptop. We can watch it together if you like.’

‘That’s a bonnie idea,’ Ed said, dropping his haul to the floor. ‘We’ll get the fire going, have a wee drink to celebrate.’ He raised a bottle of champagne from one of the bags he’d just carried in. ‘And bucks fizz for you,’ he said to Morgan. ‘Don’t make a face. You shouldn’t be drinking at all.’ He pointed to a broom in the corner of the room. ‘You can sweep the floor,’ Ed continued. ‘We’ll sleep in front of the fireplace tonight. It’ll be dead cosy.’

Naomi gazed at her husband in appreciation. It would be better when their furniture arrived, and the renovation was under way.

But her entry to her new home wasn’t exactly how she’d imagined it as Morgan stomped back to her chosen room. Outside, the sky darkened, casting their cottage in further gloom. Switching on the light, Naomi did her best to ignore the cobwebs overhead. She could have organised some cleaners, but she had wanted to examine every inch of the house herself for evidence. She was itching to get into the study. To open her folders and journals and make some notes on the house. But her computer was on the moving van and for tonight at least, the case would have to wait.