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Cristy and the others were watching their screens fill with the shots Clover had taken of five original photographs and uploaded onto Hindsight ’s main clipboard. They’d come to the office early to discuss this unexpected breakthrough – bombshell Connor was calling it – before making a decision about whether or not to change the episode due to drop tonight.

‘Where the heck did you find them?’ Cristy asked, as they came into full focus.

‘They were in this,’ Clover replied, holding up a crumpled, bright yellow Kodak envelope with Quality Photos stamped on the front. ‘It fell out of a notebook I was going through and the minute I saw the first one I knew I had to send it straight to you.’

‘Anything in the notebook explaining them?’ Connor asked, studying them closely.

‘Not that I’ve found so far.’

All five of the shots showed a much younger Lottie seated on one side of a table with George Symmonds-Browne and Janina Andris facing her. Both Lottie and Janina appeared animated, unsmiling, as if arguing about something, while Symmonds-Browne’s position hardly changed as he sat watching them. In one photo his hand was over Janina’s, in another Janina’s head was in her hands. The last showed all three of them leaving the café, Symmonds-Browne very close behind Janina, Lottie ahead, already turning away.

‘What are they telling us?’ Connor demanded. ‘What was going on at that meeting?’

‘The shots were taken with a long lens,’ Jacks mumbled, almost to himself.

‘They’re obviously in a café, or coffee shop,’ Clover observed, ‘but nothing to say what the place is called or where it is.’

‘We need to know when they were taken,’ Cristy stated. ‘Is there any way of finding that out?’

‘It’s got to have been sometime around 2000,’ Connor said, ‘you only have to look at Janina to know that. She looks the same as she does in the other shots we have of her.’

‘Is there a date stamp on the backs of the originals?’ Jacks asked Clover.

She shook her head. ‘Already checked and there isn’t.’

Articulating what was on everyone’s mind, Cristy said, ‘Are we looking at photographic evidence of Lottie negotiating for Sadie?’

‘Not possible to say for certain,’ Connor answered, ‘but we could be.’

‘What I’d like to know,’ Jacks came in, ‘is who took the shots, and why.’

‘And how did they end up with Lottie?’ Cristy added. It wasn’t hard to work out. ‘It’s smacking of blackmail to me,’ she said. ‘Symmonds-Browne set Lottie up for this and made sure it was on record. Which makes it possible, likely even, that these photos are what turned up in the envelope just after the sisters took Sadie in.’

Sitting back in his chair, Connor said, ‘We can end tonight’s pod with it. It’s a great cliff-hanger – photographs have just come to light of Lottie Winters meeting with Janina and suspected trafficker George Symmonds-Browne. We’ll bring you more in the coming episodes .’

Cristy wasn’t sure. ‘Do we actually want to out him as a trafficker yet?’

‘I say we do,’ Connor replied. ‘We can run all of Catherine Shilling’s interview, with an emphasis on the parts where she talks about Symmonds-Browne. Then it’ll have a proper impact.’

‘OK,’ Cristy agreed, ‘but before we do anything that dramatic we need to let Sadie see the photos. It’ll be pretty devastating for her if they’re painting the picture we fear, but I guess she’s more than half-expecting it, and we can’t let her learn about them through the pod.’

‘If you want to warn her they’re coming,’ Jacks said, ‘I’ll package them up and send when you’re ready.’

Cristy was checking the time. ‘She’s going to be with David at some point today – she’s found some sort of safe that needs opening and we’re hoping he’ll be able to help her. So let’s send them to him first. That way he and Anna can be with her when she sees the shots of her mother with Symmonds-Browne, quite possibly trying to extract the highest price for her.’ Even saying the words made her feel sick. It wasn’t how any of them wanted to view Janina, but who knew what kind of pressure she’d been under at the time, what dark forces had been at work in her life, so it wasn’t a good idea to rush to judgement.

‘I’ll get everything lined up ready for the edit,’ Connor said, ‘and I guess we’d better check with Sadie before adding anything to the website.’

Cristy reached for her mobile and pushed right on past the flutterings inside as she clicked to call David’s number.

‘Hi,’ he said when he answered, ‘this is a nice surprise so early in the morning.’

She smiled. ‘I’m glad you think so, but please tell me you’re not still in bed.’

He laughed. ‘Actually, I’ve just dropped Laurent at school, and believe it or not I was about to call you.’

Pleased, she said, ‘Really?’ Then, ‘Oh, does that mean Sadie’s already been in touch with you?’

‘No, but from the sound of it she’s going to be?’

‘I’m sure she will,’ and after explaining about the safe and then the photos, she said, ‘So is it OK if we send them to you first?’

‘It’s fine,’ he assured her. ‘You’re right, she shouldn’t be alone when she sees them for the first time, although I think my mother and Anna will be her best support with that. I’ll be around if she needs me, obviously, and meantime I’ll be happy to see what can be done about the safe.’

‘Thanks,’ she said warmly. ‘I really appreciate it. Oh, I’ve asked Sadie about the will, by the way. You can probably imagine my surprise when she told me that Lottie hadn’t left her anything.’

‘I can tell you now,’ David said, ‘that it was a surprise to Victor Dubois, the lawyer, as well. She didn’t explain her decision when she made the change. Apparently she simply told him it would be easier for Mia to sort everything when the time came, should she live the longest, and if she didn’t then she, Lottie, would adjust accordingly.’

Unsure what to make of that, Cristy said, ‘Have you managed to find anything out about Lottie’s cause of death?’

‘It’s why I was about to call you,’ he replied. ‘Nothing suspicious according to the records. She suffered a massive heart attack, and apparently it wasn’t her first.’

Blinking with surprise, Cristy said, ‘So she had a pre-existing condition?’

‘And was taking medication for it. Apparently the first attack happened when she was in her early forties, and there was a smaller one about ten years ago.’

Cristy nodded slowly as she considered this, not entirely sure whether she felt more relieved or baffled by the verdict of natural causes.

‘Does this help or hinder your investigation?’ David asked.

‘I’m not sure it changes anything,’ she replied, ‘but it’s good to have it cleared up. Have you managed to talk to anyone about the time the sisters came to Guernsey?’

‘I have, but so far nothing particularly interesting to report. I’m trying to track down the agent who sold them their house, he’ll probably remember them pretty well. He doesn’t live on the island any more, but someone’s getting back to me once they’ve found out where he is now.’

‘OK, thanks, and for taking care of Sadie today. I’m glad for her sake that she has your family to lean on, because heaven knows what Mia’s up to these days.’

‘Or any day, but I’m told she’s back to normal health and is planning to reinvent herself as a Sixties Bond girl the next time you visit.’

Cristy choked on a laugh. ‘Tell me you’re not serious.’

‘I’m not, although it wouldn’t surprise me. Anyway, I’ve just arrived home and Sadie is at the front door waiting for me. I’ll call later to let you know how things go.’

As Cristy rang off, feeling uplifted by how relaxed they’d been with one another, she spotted Connor playing an air violin and scowled menacingly at him before giving Jacks the all-clear to send the photos to David now.

*

It was just after seven in the evening by the time they finally uploaded the latest episode – unusually late, but they were more concerned about getting things right, especially where the outing of George Symmonds-Browne was concerned, than hitting their self-imposed deadline. By then they’d recorded Sadie’s response to the photos so were able to include it at the end of the episode, before the closing comments.

SADIE: ‘To be honest they made me feel horrible inside. I mean, obviously we have no idea what was being discussed around that table, but the fact that Lottie was meeting with Janina and George Symmonds-Browne … Well, it kind of speaks for itself, doesn’t it?’

CRISTY: ‘Once this goes live your aunt Mia will know about the photos. What do you think she’ll have to say about them?’

SADIE: ‘I’ve no idea, but frankly I’m more concerned about what was being done to my mother at the time they were taken.’

CRISTY: ‘That was a very sombre and sad-sounding Sadie earlier today. My heart goes out to her, and I’m sure you all feel the same. Imagine how it must feel to learn that your mother was being controlled by a criminal gang to the point she was forced to give you up. If that’s what these photos are telling us, and as Sadie herself says, it’s hard to see them any other way.’

CONNOR: ‘We know from our interview with ex-Detective Sergeant Catherine Shilling, who was part of the surveillance team watching Symmonds-Browne’s farm at the time Janina was there, that she, and many young women like her, were lured from their homes with promises of good jobs and better lives only to be forced into prostitution and probable slavery.’

CRISTY: ‘We don’t know how many more children might have been born to those young women, at this time we only know about Sadie. I think, I hope, that, like us, you care deeply about helping her to find the truth of who she really is. And what happened to her mother, Janina Andris, who we now believe to be Lithuanian.’

CONNOR: ‘It’s almost certain George Symmonds-Browne will have the answers, so if you know where he is, or how we can get hold of him, please contact us through the usual channels and be assured that any information you can give us will be treated in the strictest confidence.’

CRISTY: ‘That’s it from us for now. Thank you for listening and if you’d like to see the photographs referred to in this episode you’ll find them on our website.’

As the recording of Connor reeling off the closing credits began he faded the sound out and checked the time. ‘If that doesn’t set the cat amongst the pigeons,’ he said, starting to pack up for the day, ‘then I don’t know what will.’

‘We’re going to be flooded with sightings,’ Clover groaned. ‘I’ll lay money that everyone and their granny will know where Symmonds-Browne is. And his posh family aren’t going to like it one bit.’

Not doubting that for a minute, Cristy said, ‘It had to be done, and let’s try to stay optimistic that someone, somewhere, who knows the truth will decide to come forward.’

‘You mean before or after the criminal gang?’ CloveR queried.

As they had no plans for their usual after-party this evening – Meena and Harry were in Italy skiing, Iz was in London doing Iz-things and Connor wanted to hurry home because the baby was unwell – Cristy decided to send CloveR and Jacks off into the night on expenses to make up for no party, while she made a final check of her messages before setting off for home herself.

She guessed only time would tell if they were prepared for what this latest episode might bring down on them. However, the email she found from Frances Rush of the Organized Crime Unit threw a different sort of light on things.

My interpretation of you being told that Symmonds-Browne ‘cannot be a person of interest for you at this time’ is that you’re either being subtly warned off, or there’s a chance he’s in witness protection. I can try to look into it, but it’s notoriously difficult to get info out of UKPPS and that’s presuming he’s in this jurisdiction. If he’s overseas, say Europe or the US, I can’t help you at all. Frances.

After forwarding the message to the rest of the team, Cristy turned to the whiteboard where printouts of the photos of Symmonds-Browne, Lottie and Janina were now posted. She tried to imagine again what they could have been discussing, where they’d been at the time, had gone after, and what had happened in the days and weeks that had followed. Had Symmonds-Browne used the shots to force more money out of Lottie? Why else would he have wanted them taken? How else would they have ended up with her?

Sighing with exasperation, she began stuffing everything into her capacious tote bag and checked her phone as a text arrived.

Aiden and I at Clifton Sausage. Would love you to join us.

In spite of feeling tempted, she’d have to call an Uber to get there and actually she was keen to go home. Maybe next time. Any news from your guy at Interpol?

Strangely no. He’s usually pretty quick at getting back to me. I’ll give it another day and chase him. Aiden’s talking about a pancake-party next week (Shrove Tuesday). Everyone invited after the drop. We can do it at the house if you like.

Cristy stiffened. She hadn’t set foot in their family home since leaving it five years ago and she had no intention of going there again. Those days, those cherished memories of how happy they’d once been were behind them, and she sure as hell wasn’t interested in seeing what changes Marley might have made during the time she’d been there.

A text arrived from Aiden. Dad is chief tosser, which has nothing to do with pancakes and everything to do with what a knob he is for getting everything wrong. Can we do it at yours?

Cristy texted back, Of course. I’ll let everyone know.

Dropping the phone into her bag, she followed her usual route down to the waterfront and turned away from the SS Great Britain towards the M Shed. As she went, stepping around puddles and avoiding other late commuters, her mind was so full of Symmonds-Browne and where he might be now that it took her a while to pick up on the sense of being followed. She turned quickly, half-expecting someone to bump into her, or duck into the shadows, but no one was there – or no one who seemed interested in her.

She walked on, alert for the sound of footsteps or the feel of someone closing in. On Prince Street Bridge a couple of joggers overtook her, and a cyclist barely missed her arm as he sped by. She crossed the cobbled street to pass the Mud Dock and headed along The Grove towards her end of the harbourside. She wasn’t sure about being followed now, couldn’t make up her mind if she was freaking herself out, or if someone really did have her in their sights.

At the Riverstation she took a quick decision to go inside rather than risk leading someone right to her door.

Finding the downstairs bar unusually quiet, she accepted the offer of a window booth overlooking the water and ordered herself a gin and tonic. From here she could see who was coming and going, and if anyone suspicious did appear she could always call Matthew and Aiden and ask them to meet her when they’d finished their meal. She might not relish the idea of having to explain herself, but better that than try to deal with some sort of stalker alone.

*

‘I’m not sure I’m liking the sound of this,’ David commented when he rang later to ask what sort of feedback they’d had so far to the latest episode. She was home now, safely inside with doors and windows locked. The kindly neighbour who’d found her at the Riverstation and walked her back was on standby upstairs if she needed him. ‘Did you actually see anyone?’

‘Without really knowing who I was looking for, other than Symmonds-Browne,’ she replied, ‘it’s hard to answer that – and I don’t actually think he’d be following me in person if he did have anything to do with it. Anyway, it could have all been in my head. It was dark, and I guess I was feeling spooked by the attempted burglary …’

‘Have you contacted the police about that?’

‘There’s nothing they can do, so we’ll just have to be extra careful about who could be watching us, or who gets in touch with possible leads.’ Going to refill her wine glass, she said, ‘It’s been suggested by a reliable source that Symmonds-Browne could be in witness protection. If that’s the case then it’s possible others are looking for him.’

‘And now, thanks to the pod, they’re hoping you might lead them to him?’

‘Maybe, but surely no one thinks I’m hiding him at home or in the office.’

‘No, but I’m thinking you could consider getting yourselves some sort of security,’ he said gravely.

She smiled as she sank down onto the sofa and rested her feet on the coffee table. ‘I survived quite a lot of intimidation when I was working on your story,’ she reminded him. ‘In fact, even you sent me anonymous emails at the beginning.’

‘To try and protect you,’ he pointed out, ‘but OK, you didn’t know that at the time. Hang on, are you suggesting this stalker might actually be looking out for you?’

She laughed. ‘If there is such a person, it’s a nice thought, but I don’t think I’ll put too much trust in it. Anyway, let’s move on and talk about Sadie. Is she still with you, or has she gone home now?’

‘Anna took her a couple of hours ago and is staying over because Jasper’s away.’

‘Is she still feeling shaken up by the photos?’

‘Let’s say she seemed calmer by the time she left, helped I think by everyone reminding her that she didn’t really know what was happening in them. Anna has a theory that Janina was trying to get Sadie back, but Lottie was refusing to let her go.’

Cristy’s eyebrows rose. ‘That would put a different slant on things. What about Symmonds-Browne? Did she have any thoughts on what he might have been doing there?’

‘Not that she shared with me. I’d say it’s a question for Mia.’

‘Yes, and good luck with that. I wonder if she’s listened to the pod yet.’

‘If she has no one’s heard from her so maybe not.’

As frustrated as ever by Mia’s intransigence and capriciousness, she said, ‘And the safe? Any luck with it yet?’

‘It’s still here, and I’m sure we’ll get it open once the guy I have in mind is back from wherever he is. His wife says Jersey, I’m wondering if it’s a little more secure than that, i.e. a Crown facility. However, she assures me she’s expecting him any day now. We’ll see and I’ll let you know, but if he’s not here by the weekend I’ll make enquiries elsewhere. Now, I’m interested to know if you have any thoughts of when you might be coming this way again?’

Checking the lift in her heart with a reminder of Juliette, she said, ‘Is Corny still with Mia?’

‘As far as I know, but maybe I should put it another way, I’m keen to see you.’

Unable not to feel pleased by that, she said, ‘You could always come here.’ Before he could react she added, ‘But I’m not sure it’s a good idea, under the circumstances …’

‘What circumstances?’

Not willing to spell it out, and suddenly annoyed that he seemed to be making her, she said, ‘Shall we leave it for now? It’s late and I’ve had a busy day.’

‘OK, but we do need to talk.’

‘If you say so.’

‘I do and I would fly over there this weekend if I knew you were free – and if I wasn’t hosting an event at the yacht club on Saturday night. I was hoping you might come with me, but it’s sounding as though you’d prefer not to.’

‘That’s not what I said, but given the way things are with the series right now I think I need to be here, or ready to go at short notice if something comes up.’

There was a moment before David said, ‘I get that, just don’t shut me out altogether, OK? At least not until we’ve properly straightened things out between us.’