‘Let’s get in first,’ Faith whispered.

The front door had been left wide open and as Faith stepped into the welcoming light, she couldn’t have been more different to the woman who had sat on the doorstep clasping a bloodied hand to her throat. Wearing a pair of linen trousers and a pink shirt, Faith’s make-up gave her cheeks a bronzed glow that was reminiscent of a Mediterranean holiday rather than a spell in prison, and her smile was warm and relaxed. If she had been upset by her recent argument with Ella, or the events of Valentine’s Day for that matter, it wasn’t showing.

‘Come in before you catch your death,’ she said, pulling April inside.

It was a relief to be away from the doorstep, but the hallway held horrors of its own. ‘I’m fine,’ she said as Faith helped her out of her jacket.

‘No you’re not, you’re shaking,’ Faith replied. ‘I felt exactly the same, but we’ll settle you in the sitting room and you’ll feel much better.’

April followed a trail of jasmine and sandalwood into a room immersed in the soft glow of candlelight. Faith was pulling out all the stops, but the scented candles couldn’t disguise the smell of death that lingered in April’s memory. Above the crackle of fire from the log burner, she could hear Nick’s last gasps for air.

‘Here,’ Faith said, handing April a takeaway menu. ‘Pick anything you want, and I’ll put in our order once Tara arrives. Don’t worry, we can eat on our knees. I don’t intend going into the kitchen except to fetch our drinks.’

One look at the photos of pizza dripping melted cheese was enough to make April swallow hard. ‘I don’t think I could face food. Could I have a glass of water for now?’

Faith’s bright smile faltered and her voice reflected some of April’s anxiety when she said, ‘You’re right. I’m not sure I could eat anything either. I felt ill from the moment I stepped through the door.’ She picked up a glass stained with bright red lipstick marks and drained what was left of her drink. Tilting the glass towards April, she added, ‘Are you sure you won’t join me in something stronger?’

‘I’m driving.’

April perched herself on the edge of an armchair as she waited for Faith to fetch the drinks.

‘Are you sure you wouldn’t like a little brandy to put some colour in your cheeks?’ Faith called from the kitchen.