“And in local news, it’s been two weeks since the disappearance of Emmeline Victor, head girl of the Winsbury School of Parapsychology. Police have confirmed that the body of a woman pulled from Regent’s Canal yesterday is not that of Miss Victor, and the death is not being treated as suspicious. Any sightings of Emmeline Victor should be reported to the Missing Persons Hotline...”

“Terrible, just terrible,” Mrs Baxter shook her head gently.

“Local bus services into Central London will be increased by 15% this month as we approach December and the biggest shopping season of the year…”

“Oh, well that’s handy,” she mused. “Any idea what you want for Christmas?”

“I don’t know,” Jessa looked up from her magazine. “Records. Download credit.”

“We can’t all give you download credit every year,” her mother tutted.

“Why not? I use it all.”

“It’s not a very thoughtful present.”

“It is for someone who likes downloading stuff.”

“You kids, really… in my day we played with real toys. We went outside!”

“I go outside.”

“Walking to and from school doesn’t count.”

Jessa shrugged and delved back into reading the month’s best album reviews.

“Morning, all,” said Hugo Fletcher, after letting himself in with Audrey’s spare key.

“Morning, poppet,” Jean Baxter embraced him. “Are you all right? You look exhausted.”

“Yeah,” he rubbed his face, “just had a lot going on.”

“Of course. Still bogged down with all the Emmeline Victor stuff?”

He frowned down at his phone. “Hmm? What, sorry?”

“I said are you still caught up in all this Emmeline stuff?”

“Oh. Sorry, Jean. Yes, very much so.”

“What do they want from you, though? Are the police bothering you?”

“No, they’re not bothering me, it’s just…” he shrugged, “considering I was the last person at school who had any contact with Emmeline, they want to make sure that they have all bases covered.”

“You already gave them a statement, though, didn’t you?” asked Jessa.

“Yeah, I did. I guess they just keep coming up with new questions.”

“Like what?”

“I can’t really divulge that, Jessa, it’s confidential.”

“But I mean, why do they keep having new questions for you?”

“Jessa, give the poor man a break!” her mother scolded.

“I was just asking!”

“It’s all right, Jean, she’s just curious. You’re right, Jessa, I gave them my statement. I suppose they’re just hoping I remember any other bits of information that might be helpful.”

“Well, I do wish they’d leave you alone,” said Jean. “You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”

“Yeah, it’s been tough.”