‘I love him,’ Sophie said, and Janie was surprised, because she herself couldn’t see anything remotely attractive in the man, but regardless she listened and told her friend she’d come up and be with her that weekend, if she wanted.

When the call ended, Janie leaned back against the wall of the café and took a deep breath. Holding a hand over her mouth, she shook her head. Maybe it would be good to get away to London for a night. She could take the girls, get some space.

After the night before she might have assured herself there was nothing to worry about – just her mind playing tricks on her – but it wasn’t only herself she had to think about any longer. It was the girls too. Her precious daughters could be in danger, and they were everything to her. And she knew she would do whatever was necessary to protect them.

Thursday 16 May

Interview between DC Emily Marlow and Anna Halshaw, following the fire on Monday 13 May

Marlow:Can you describe your friendship with Janie Wood?

Anna:We’re very close. We’ve been friends since Janie’s oldest daughter started in Year One. I’ve known her for five years.

Marlow:And how often do you see each other?

Anna:Every day, more or less, at the school gate, either at drop-off or pick-up. And then we meet for coffee once a week. There’s four of us who get together. We’re all good friends.

Marlow:So you would say you know her pretty well?

Anna:Of course, which is why what you told me about this person following her is so shocking.

Marlow:And of course the fact that she never mentioned the name Miles Morgan to you before.

Anna:Yes, but there could be many reasons for that. I mean, he probably wasn’t significant.

Marlow:He was significant, Anna. But how about her husband? Did Janie confide anything to you lately about him?

Anna:Janie and Harry? You mean, their marriage? No. They were as happy as they’ve always been. What is this?

Marlow:Or anything to do with his work?

Anna:Oh, well, yes – yes. She told us someone at Harry’s office was being bullied. Is that what this is about? Because she didn’t tell me much. I didn’t get the impression it was a major deal, but God, you never know, do you?

Marlow:One last thing, Anna: did she mention any of the women who worked for her husband?

Anna:(shakes head) Not by name.

Marlow:None that she may have been close to?

Anna:No, I don’t think so.

Marlow:Mia Anderson or Laura Denning? You’ve never heard Janie talking about either of them?

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Woods’ party – three days before the fire