‘I’ll give up on the whole idea.’

‘It would be nice to get my necklace back …’

Mabel clapped her hands together ‘I feel like Miss Marple!’ she said, before realising she’d better explain who Miss Marple was.

Roz grinned. ‘But you’re not doing anything!’

‘Oh yes I am!’ said Mabel with grim determination. ‘I’m going to be the lookout; I shall hoot like an owl to warn Felix if someone comes.’

‘I take it you can actually hoot like an owl?’ laughed Felix.

‘My grandpa taught me.’ Mabel cupped her hands together and blew between her thumbs, emitting a very lifelike owl hoot.

‘Gosh,’ said Roz, impressed by her friend’s talent.

‘Impressive,’ agreed Felix.

‘Good, isn’t it?’ said Mabel.

Felix and Roz exchanged glances. ‘I don’t know what an owl sounds like,’ admitted Felix. ‘I’ve only ever lived in the city.’

Mabel looked expectantly at Roz, who gave her a rather embarrassed smile. ‘Me too, although I bet you sound just like one.’

Mabel rolled her eyes. ‘Good job we tested it out first, or I could’ve been hooting myself hoarse!’

The following Wednesday, they put their plan into action. Mabel waited until she saw Callum drive the lorry past the end of Mercer Court before slipping out of the house and positioning herself out of sight. Having been given clear instructions on how to get to the loft above the coal merchant’s on Crooked Lane, Felix had left his home far earlier than he normally would and made his way to the docks, where the night shift was still going strong. He slipped one of the messenger boys a penny to go to the Haggartys’ and tell Lilith that a man had just seen a terrible accident involving Partington’s coal lorry, and that she was needed quickly. The boy raced off and Felix strode idly behind, his hands deep into his pockets. He didn’t wish to arrive before Lilith had had time to get out. When he reached Crooked Lane, he saw Mabel standing outside the merchant’s waiting for him.