His mind flicked back to the moment in the doorway, weeks ago. He instantly felt guilty. She’d almost died, and there he was wondering whether any of what she’d said or done smacked of ulterior motives. Last time he had visited Holly he’d talked to her about this. Not Evie in particular, but the notion of moving on enough so as to be open to possibilities. He was pretty sure that if she was able to, Holly would have laughed at him. Told him to man up and find someone. That everyone needs somebody. Somebody to care whether you came home at night. If only Natasha had been lucky enough to have a somebody like that, maybe none of this might have happened. Of course, Holly couldn’t speak. He’d looked around, as if expecting some kind of sign or acknowledgement, but there had been nothing. Only the whisper of the breeze tickling its way past the wind chime hanging on a nearby headstone.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Some people say writing can be a lonely business, and there are times when that’s true. But through it, I’ve met some awesome people, who’ve helped and encouraged me along the way, many of whom I’m now proud to call my friends. Whether you’re reading this as a fan of crime fiction, as an aspiring author, or a bit of both, get yourself along to author events and festivals. We might kill people (disclaimer – only in books) for a living, but crime writers are as friendly a bunch as you’ll find, and I always come away from them inspired to write. So, to the countless authors and fans I’ve met, spoken to, and had a drink with at these events, you’ve all played a small, if unwitting part, in pushing me forward to this point, and I thank you for it.

Mari Hannah – I still owe you a drink or three for persuading me to go to Creative Thursday workshop at the Theakston’s Harrogate Crime Festival, not to mention all the advice since. Howard Linskey – thanks for the endless tips and encouragement over the last few years.

Jo, Amy, Olivia and the rest of the team at The Blair Partnership – thank you for taking a chance on my scribblings, helping to polish the rough edges off my words, and finding me such a great publisher.

Lesley and the team at Allison & Busby, thank you for believing in my books, and making the murky waters of getting published all the easier to navigate.

Thanks also to The Literary Consultancy, and in particular Sanjida Kay, my allocated reader, who was given my MS to edit, prior to me submitting to any agents. Without your input, it might never have turned into the half-presentable jumble of words it’s become.