‘I can’t smell anyth—’ And then I realise what it is. ‘Shit! The fish fingers!’ I rush over to the oven and pull out the grill pan, but it’s too late. Six charred oblongs stare back at me from the wire tray. I’d scrape off the burned bits if I could, but they’re too far gone to salvage anything.

‘Here, let me.’ Toby comes to take over, but I wave him away with a sigh.

‘It’s fine. I’ll bin them. The kids will just have to have cheesy pasta instead.’ I flick on the extractor fan while Toby opens the window to dissipate the smell of burning, letting the freezing December air into our toasty kitchen.

After a moment or two, I can see that Madeline has read my WhatsApp message. I wait anxiously for her reply, overcooking the pasta and accidentally scalding my hands with boiling water. I’m desperate for this uncomfortable situation to be resolved.

But I wait and I wait, and a reply doesn’t come.

Six

NOW

This morning at work was one of our busiest days so far. I’ve had back-to-back clients for five hours straight, with no time for so much as a sip of tea or coffee. It’s probably a good thing, as at least it’s stopped me brooding over the Madeline situation. Jennifer tells me my two thirty appointment has been cancelled so I now have an unexpected forty-five minute lunch break.

I have a sudden yearning to see my husband, so I call Toby to see if he’s free to meet me in town. He’s working locally so it would be great if he could get away. I could also find out if Nick’s said anything more about Madeline. But when I call, Toby sounds stressed, like I’ve caught him at a bad time. ‘Oh, Zoe, I’d love to, but Nick and I had our lunch ages ago. We’re back working again now.’

‘Are you still at the Coppice Street house?’ He and Nick have been landscaping a driveway for a family who are new to the area.

‘Yeah, it’s going okay. They seem like nice people. Not too demanding, if you know what I mean. But we’ve got a lot to get through. They want it finished by the end of next week. Sorry I can’t meet up.’

‘No worries. I knew it would be a long shot. I’ll see you later.’

‘Okay, love you, Zo.’

‘Love you too.’