Helen was in hospital for most of the investigation, recovering from burns to her legs and severe smoke inhalation.

The house was destroyed, but the insurance pay-out meant that Helen and Mills could rebuild it the way they wanted to and it would remain in the family for future generations. The pool house was all that was left after the inferno – and Helen had made sure it stayed with the new house design, but with the ivy stripped back so that it was a light and open space.

The local community rallied around Hugh and Helen in their hour of need, finding the family a place to stay, clothes, provisions, anything for such pillars of the community. Then, just as Helen was about to be discharged from hospital, rumours circulated of a lockdown coming. Hugh made the decision to move to Brighton so that Matt and Lydia could be closer to Francesca. His marriage to Helen was over anyway.

The night that Helen arrived home from the hospital, Tracey walked to the very spot where Eloise had fallen and threw herself over into the sea below. A dog walker found her body a few short hours later.

She had no dependents, no one to miss her, no life to leave behind.

The police had just called around to say there was no evidence of foul play. It would be ruled as suicide. “I’m sorry about Tracey,” Mills said quietly. Clive nuzzled at her hand, demanding her attention.

Helen shrugged. “I don’t know what to say or feel, to be honest, other than what a waste of a life. All of it such a waste. She just couldn’t live with herself any longer.” She took a deep breath. “It’s done now. It’s over.”

Mills nodded. Helen clicked on the kettle and the rumble of boiling water filled the silence.

“So, Zoom quiz with Hugh tomorrow night – have you got your questions ready?” Helen said.

Mills smiled. “Yes, I’m going to do a Noughties music round and one about Star Wars films.”

Helen laughed. “You’re mean! Hugh won’t know anything!”

“He always does a really hard history round, so it serves him right. And Matt with his ridiculous art history questions – seriously!”

Helen peered in the fridge. “Agh, there’s no milk. Could you pop out and get some, please? Thanks – wear a mask!”

Helen listened, then walked over to the window to make sure she was gone. Mills walked quickly over to the shop on the corner of the square, the mask obscuring her face.

Helen walked down the stairs and let herself into the shop. It was in darkness, but she knew where it was. She pulled open the bottom drawer of the desk and took out the locked cashbox. Hidden in plain sight. She quickly headed back upstairs to the flat. She fiddled with the numbers on the combination lock until they aligned correctly and the box opened.