Faith raised her hand, ready to deflect the next assault. ‘No, that’s enough, April. I appreciate you and Tara mean well, but I know as much as I want to know about Nick. It’s Valentine’s Day for God’s sake. It’s the first time in years I’ve woken up next to someone who’s told me they love me. Nick’s at home right now preparing a special lunch for us and I intend to share it with him – unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy breakfast in bed this morning because my meddlesome friends needed to ruin my day,’ she said as she stomped up the wooden steps.

April hurried after her and when she reached the first turn in the zigzag, Faith was on the next flight. They paused to face each other, but only Faith found the breath to speak.

‘I won’t stand for interference from you or from Tara, whenever she dares to show her face,’ she said. She pushed her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose and April felt the full force of her scrutiny. ‘Please don’t say you’re the decoy to get me out of the house. Has Tara gone to see Nick?’

It hadn’t crossed April’s mind, but it made more sense than she would like. She wasn’t wholly convinced when she replied, ‘She wouldn’t do that.’

‘None of us know what we’re capable of until we’re tested,’ Faith said, glancing in the direction of the car park.

While Faith considered whether to go back or carry on, April stretched out her arms to grip the wooden handrails, effectively blocking Faith’s path should she decide to head back to the car. Faith smiled, seemingly impressed, before tugging on Dexter’s leash and continuing the climb.

‘Olivia told us that Nick didn’t lose his job because of grief,’ April called after her. ‘He was trying to make a profit from Erin’s death, taking money off colleagues and clients. They sacked him when they found out he had nothing to do with Josh’s memorial fund.’

There was another wave of a hand. ‘Was it in the papers? Did he get arrested?’

‘No, but—’

‘Then it’s hearsay. I don’t know who’s been filling your head with all of this nonsense, but I don’t believe it was Nick’s sister. She lives in Canada and I seriously doubt she’d come all this way for an event held in memory of the girl her brother dumped – allegedly.’

‘There was no mention of Canada. I got the impression she lives here,’ April said. Her lungs burned and she was out of breath, but Faith hadn’t slowed and neither would she. ‘It sounds like another lie.’

‘But whose lie? Who’s to say the woman you spoke to wasn’t some mischief-maker wanting to get back at Nick for whatever reason? Think about it.’