quick question. You – not Ashley.’
He gives her a long look. ‘Is that an “official” question?’
Everett flushes a little. Because he’s right: she didn’t tell anyone she was coming. She makes a rueful face. ‘Not quite.’
‘And is answering it going to land Ash in it?’
‘No,’ she says quickly. ‘No, I’m pretty sure not. In fact, it might help.’
He takes a step back. ‘You’d better come in then. You’re going to catch your death out there.’
* * *
The address Somer is looking for has taken some finding, especially in the dark and the rain, but she eventually pulls up outside a modern block just off the Iffley Road. She checks the flat number then splashes down the path to the main door.
She presses the buzzer and the entryphone crackles into life. ‘Who’s that?’
‘Erica Somer. Is that Jess?’
A pause. ‘Who gave you this address?’
‘Faith’s mum. She said Faith was coming over to see you this evening. Is she there?’
The door opens and a couple of girls come out, wrapped up snug in fur-hooded parkas and boots. They’re both laughing. Somer is seriously tempted to dart in behind them before the door closes, but she forces herself not to: she needs Jess and Faith to feel they’re in control.
She returns to the entryphone. ‘I just wanted to check Faith is OK.’
There’s a silence, and then the sound of the door lock being released.
‘Come up.’
The flat is on the top floor. The lift isn’t working so Somer is slowing down by the time she gets to the right landing. But ahead of her a door is already open. Jess is standing there. It’s only just gone 9.00 but she’s in PJs and a long paisley dressing gown that looks like it was originally a man’s.
She raises an eyebrow when she sees Somer. ‘We must stop meeting like this.’
She has a mug in one hand. Steam is rising from it. Not coffee though, something earthy, herbal.
‘How is she?’ asks Somer.
Jess makes a face. ‘Not great.’
They’re keeping their voices low. As if someone’s ill.
‘Her mum called about twenty minutes ago,’ continues Jess. ‘She said you’ve arrested Nadine – actually arrested her.’
Somer sighs. ‘I’m sorry – we really didn’t have much choice. Not with the evidence we now have.’
‘Faith wasn’t too bad before that, but she’s been crying ever since. She can’t believe Nadine could have done that to her.’
‘We don’t know if she did. Not yet.’
Jess shrugs. ‘You must think it’s possible or you wouldn’t be questioning her. Have you got a sister?’
Somer hesitates, then nods. ‘Yes. Actually, I do.’
‘Well then. How would you like it?’
* * *
‘I don’t know her name,’ says Mr Brotherton, dragging the teabag out of the mug and dropping it in the bin.
‘But Ashley does have a girlfriend?’
The old man snorts. ‘More like had, if you ask me. I don’t think he’s heard a peep out of her since all this started.’
Everett’s detective antennae flicker at this. It might mean nothing, but on the other hand –
‘What’s her name?’ she says, taking the proffered mug.
‘Search me. He doesn’t bring ’em here.’
Ev’s heart sinks. ‘You’ve never seen her at all?’
The old man ferrets about in the cupboard for biscuits and comes up with garibaldis. She tries not to think about how long the packet has been in there.
He shuffles across to the table and sits down. ‘I did see her once or twice at a distance. A couple of months ago, maybe? But she had her back to me. Brown hair, longish.’
Which could be almost anyone, thinks Everett. But it could also be Nadine Appleford.
‘One thing I do remember though,’ he says, offering her the packet of biscuits. ‘He was teaching her to drive.’
* * *
Somer takes a seat on the armchair opposite Faith. She has her arms wrapped round her legs and one cheek is resting on her knees. A waffle blanket has been tucked round her shoulders.
‘How are you?’ says Somer softly.
There’s no reply. She can see the tears on the girl’s face.
‘I just came to see how you were doing. There isn’t much I can tell you at the moment, I’m afraid.’
Faith seems to register Somer’s presence for the first time. She raises her head and wipes her eyes. ‘Mum said that carrier bag came from our house.’
Somer sighs. ‘I know. We still can’t explain that. I’m afraid Nadine’s not saying very much.’
Faith drops her head again. Somer can’t imagine what it must be like – to discover someone who’s supposed to love you has betrayed you. And in