‘At least wait until all the furniture has been moved and then the two of you can plan a proper makeover. It’s going to take weeks to get it right, and Iain and I have to sort out April’s flat first. There’s no rush.’

‘I like April.’

‘Me too.’

Molly rubbed her cheek against Tara’s dressing gown. ‘I like her more than Faith.’

Tara stroked her daughter’s hair. ‘You do know she didn’t mean to hurt that man, don’t you?’ she said, as guilt pricked her conscience. Faith might have held the knife, but April and Tara had played their part in Nick’s demise. And so had Nick, she reminded herself. He was dead, but Faith was the victim. It was only a matter of time before the police dropped the charges.

Molly sat up to look at her mum, but she was hesitant when she spoke. ‘But why did she smile?’

‘Why did who smile, sweet pea?’

‘Faith,’ Molly said. ‘When April came out and said he was dead, Faith smiled.’

Tara had on occasion told Faith she was heartless, but she didn’t believe it, not really. ‘She was in shock, that’s all.’

Before the slithering sense of unease could unsettle her, the doorbell rang. There had been a steady stream of journalists calling at the shop, all eager to speak to one half of the support group’s administration. Given how small the village was, it was entirely possible they had discovered where Tara lived. Was this the first call of many?

‘I’ll get it,’ Iain shouted and was stomping down the stairs when the doorbell rang a second time.

Tara focused on her breathing. She didn’t want anyone to invade her inner peace, but when she recognised the voice echoing down the hallway, she knew her defences had been breached.

‘I saw that you weren’t back at the shop and thought I’d check on you,’ Justine said as she stepped into the living room and slipped out of her coat.

Iain was behind her, his expression offering a silent apology. ‘Why don’t you come and see what we’ve done upstairs, Moll?’ he asked.

Molly jumped up and there was nothing her mother could do to stop her. Feeling exposed, Tara pulled her dressing gown a little tighter across her chest.

‘Iain says you’re reorganising the girls’ rooms,’ Justine said above the sound of hurried footsteps across the landing.

‘It was unfair having Molly crammed into the box room while Lily had more space than she could possibly need. They’ve decided to share the big bedroom and convert the other into a walk-in wardrobe. It was Lily’s idea and they’re both thrilled.’

‘They’re almost like sisters.’

‘We’re getting there,’ Tara said, daring to hope. ‘Do you want a drink?’