She rubbed her forehead, a strange chuckle leaving her lips. She had well and truly been put on the naughty step. She groaned as she shifted position. Cramp was setting in. She’d be better off ringing someone in the village, but she was already the talk of the place with her maggoty cake. But then there was John, the handyman. She had saved his number to her phone. He might have a laugh at her expense, but given his obvious disdain for Nighbrook he wouldn’t be spreading gossip, at least. A tickle at the nape of her neck was enough to firm up the decision. She swiped it away, praying that it was just her imagination and not some eight-legged creature trying to make friends.

‘I’m calling the police!’ she called in a last-ditch effort, over the cheery jingle of the movie. Just when she thought they were coming to a truce. What had Connie said to Morgan last night? And what sort of stepmother was she, allowing herself to be bullied by a sulky teenager? She flicked through her contacts, bringing up John’s number. Her cheeks flushed pink when he answered the phone.

‘Mrs Ward, what a nice surprise.’

‘Oh . . . thank you.’ She laughed awkwardly. ‘Are you free to talk?’

‘Depends on what’s wrong,’ he said. ‘I’m battling with a leaky tap, but I’m almost done. Is it urgent?’

‘If you call me being stranded in my loft urgent . . .’ she said.

‘You’re stuck in the loft? How did that happen?’

‘I don’t know. The ladder must have fallen down.’

‘Oh.’ A throaty laugh. ‘And there’s nobody at home to help?’

Naomi swallowed as she prepared the lie. ‘Ed’s away and Morgan’s watching TV. I’ve tried ringing, but her phone is switched off. She’s working her way through a box set so I could be here all day.’ She also could have added that she needed the loo but that was too much information for a man she had barely met.

‘Best I get over there then. I’ll be with you in about ten minutes. Is that OK?’

‘You’re a star. And John . . .’ she added quickly. ‘Do you mind keeping it to yourself? It’s a bit embarrassing . . . I’ve given my neighbours enough to talk about for now.’

‘As if I’d speak to that lot.’ He chuckled. ‘If you free yourself in the meantime, let me know.’

As the call ended, Naomi broke into a smile at the absurdity of the situation. Her anger was cooled for now. She would deal with Morgan’s behaviour by taking away her phone. She glanced around the space behind her. She may as well sort through some more boxes while she was here.