‘Number one on the list is Nighbrook. This New Forest village is one of several in the area, but the least friendly of all. It’s not your typical tourist village. It’s well off the beaten track, and unlike other towns with their bunting and afternoon teas. In Nighbrook, you’re more likely to be met with a scowl than a smile. That’s if you can find it. Nighbrook also has very poor signage and is hard to find on a satnav. No wonder it has been cited as the village that the world forgot. Yet not everyone had a bad word to say. Some said they respected the tight-knit community and that it seemed to be a place where locals knew each other by name and looked out for their own. But make sure you buy a map as you don’t want to ask for directions. The people here are tired and spiritless. It seems that . . .’ Her words faded.

‘Seems that what?’ Ed asked, disengaging himself from Naomi as his mobile began to ring.

‘Nothing, just more of the same. It goes on and on.’ Morgan handed the paper to Naomi, whose lips moved silently as she read the words. It seems that the Harper family’s disappearance left its mark on this village, and some would say the locals are unwelcoming due to the number of visitors that flooded the area after the incident occurred. Perhaps they just want to be left in peace, and for the most part, it seems they are.

Morgan read the rest of the article over Naomi’s shoulder. The report went on to talk about the beautiful scenery, the animals that roamed freely, the forests and brooks unspoilt by human hand.

Sighing, Naomi folded the newspaper in half as Ed turned away to talk on the phone. ‘This paper’s five years old. Where did you get it?’

‘Like I said, in my room,’ Morgan replied, taking pleasure in seeing her stepmother’s smile fade. This time, she wasn’t lying, but she had been pleased with her find.

‘It must have belonged to one of the tenants,’ Naomi said, distractedly. ‘I don’t know why they hung on to it for so long.’

‘Sorry,’ Ed said, after coming off the phone. He shifted uneasily from foot to foot. ‘Nomes, can I have a quick word?’ He jabbed his head towards the bedroom.

‘Oh?’ Naomi’s brows shot up. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Just work.’ Ed looked from Morgan to Naomi. ‘Can you, eh . . .’ He scratched the back of his head. Lying did not come easily to her father, and Morgan immediately knew that this problem was closer to home.

He turned his attention to Morgan. ‘Nothin’ to worry about. Give the fire a wee poke, will you, love? Otherwise it’ll go out.’

‘Sure,’ she said, bending to pick up the poker as they left.