Jobie had been wandering happily in and out of the open French doors. Elodie was still asleep on the patio just outside. Suddenly, the dog began to bark loudly, something that jarred as it was so rare. I hurried out of the kitchen in time to see him leaping up at the fence, where a man – the man – stood, apparently mesmerised, staring at him from Mrs Barley’s garden. He was in the exact spot where the babies’ remains had been uncovered. I was astounded to see Jobie baring his teeth, and growling in the most menacing fashion. I had never seen him react to anyone in this way before. Seemingly unperturbed, the man lifted his head, fixing me for a moment with intense, emotionless brown eyes. Something in them made my blood run cold. I felt with the utmost conviction that I was in the presence of something – someone – evil.

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Without a word, the man turned and walked briskly out of the garden, disappearing into the entry. Jobie sprinted down the path, whining and scratching at the gate to be released. Disturbed by the commotion, Elodie began to cry. At once, Jobie came bounding back up towards me, panting. His front paws on the handle, he peered into the pram, then up into my face, his tail thrashing. It was as though he were seeking approval. I realised then that this wonderful animal had acted to protect my baby.

‘Good boy. You’re such a good boy.’ I had never been so glad to have him at my side and took his face in my hands, roughly scratching the fur behind his ears, which he always loved.

Grabbing Elodie, I flew back into the house, followed closely by Jobie. In spite of the heat, I was shivering. I think I was in shock. With trembling hands, I flung the doors to and locked them. I wanted Jack; to feel the comfort and protection of his strong arms round me. I felt unnerved. Who knows what might have happened if Jobie hadn’t been there?

I just didn’t get it. The man looked exactly like Frank Barley. There was no mistaking the resemblance from the photographs that I’d seen. I tried to shake the memory of his baleful expression, but it was burned into my consciousness. The thought of those malevolent eyes made the hairs stand up on my arms.

And then I remembered the security camera. From where it was positioned, it should hopefully have captured a clear image of him. I would wait for Jack and we could examine the footage together. I had no desire to look upon that face again alone.

*

It was some hours before Jack arrived home, by which time I was a little calmer. Elodie, clearly oblivious to the drama of the afternoon, had fallen asleep after her feed and was snoozing peacefully upstairs in her cot.