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‘I know, I was thinking the same about having one. Maybe we can find a way to get rid of it?’

‘Another one of your plans coming up, Alfie?’

‘You know it.’ I grinned again. I felt as if we had cemented our friendship over the last few days and I was proud of us both. How to get his collar off though … That would take a whole lot of new thinking. For now, we had to run to catch up with Claire, Vic, and Heather, because we had reached Barbara’s flat.

Some of the houses in Edgar Road had started hanging their Christmas decorations, which we were able to admire as we walked, but Barbara’s flat didn’t have any sparkly lights or bright tinsel hanging in the windows. Maybe she tried to ruin the show because she didn’t like Christmas?

They rang the doorbell and waited until Barbara answered. She wasn’t looking her best. She had a bruise on her cheek, and I could see some streaks of red paint in her hair.

‘Hello,’ she said with a smile, and I resisted the temptation to go and stamp on her foot. I know that wasn’t nice but she had shouted at us and chased us last night. Not to mention poor George’s tail.

‘Barbara, we have come to you with a very grave and serious matter,’ Vic said.

‘Very grave, indeed,’ Heather repeated.

‘What? What’s wrong?’ She ran her hand through her hair and … yes, definitely red paint.

‘It has come to our attention that for some reason you have been the person sabotaging the show,’ Vic said.

‘No, you must be mistaken, it certainly wasn’t me.’ She really was a good actress. There was no flicker of guilt in her eyes, no awkward gestures that people sometimes make when they’re lying.

‘I’m afraid we know it was you,’ Claire said. ‘We have no doubt at all, so it’s probably best that you admit it now.’

‘Why on earth do you think it was me?’ she asked, but her mask was beginning to slip.

‘The cats,’ Heather told her.

‘What do you mean the cats? You mean the cats told you it was me?’ She seemed to notice Salmon and I for the first time, and she didn’t look pleased to see us.

‘No, of course not. Cats can’t talk,’ Vic said. ‘But cat collar cameras can,’ he added.

‘I really have no idea what you’re talking about.’

‘Barbara,’ Claire sounded annoyed now. ‘You’re a grown woman. We saw the footage of you chasing the cats on the stage and then falling over the trees. Also, the spray paint. My George’s tail and bum were bright red. We have proof it was you.’

‘You mean there’s a camera on the cat?’ Her voice squeaked.

‘On Salmon, our cat, yes,’ Heather explained.

‘And we have no alternative but to make a citizen’s arrest. I hereby arrest you in the name of the—’

‘Please, don’t arrest me. I did damage some things but honestly, you can’t go to the police.’

‘And why on earth can’t we?’ Heather said. I was pretty sure she had some handcuffs in her handbag, ready and waiting.

‘Oh goodness, I am sorry. Really.’ Barbara had turned very pale but then I remembered she was an actress, so I wasn’t sure if she was putting on yet another act. ‘I mean it. I should explain. I’ve been in a rage since I moved here – and I didn’t know why I was angry all the time – and my daughter said to try to get involved with the locals and then I saw the poster for your show. I thought with my acting experience I could get involved, but I felt side-lined, pushed to a small part, and no one even asked for my help and advice, even after I told you all about my experience with amateur dramatics. So I felt my rage building and I wanted to ruin the show. I have no excuse, apart from perhaps feeling mad with grief, having lost my home and my friends because I had to move away. Plus I hardly ever see my daughter.’ She was babbling, talking so fast I could barely follow her words.

I saw Vic, Heather, and Claire exchange glances. Were they softening? Was I? I still wasn’t sure she was genuine.

‘While that is all very sad, you behaved in a totally unacceptable way,’ Vic said.

‘It’s for charity. Not only that, but Aleksy and Connie are kids, and they are doing something so, so great. For a grown-up to try to ruin that for them and for the homeless shelter is just unimaginable.’

I was tempted to add my two tails’ worth but I kept quiet.

‘I know, I know. I wasn’t thinking straight. I think it became an outlet for my anger. I’m going to see my doctor, tell him how I haven’t been sleeping, or feeling like myself at all. Look, I can’t tell you how embarrassed I am. I behaved in a totally unacceptable way and I don’t expectyou to forgive me but if you could just understand that I actually do need help.’ Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Claire, Vic, and Heather moved away from the doorstep and gathered in a huddle. Salmon and I joined them.

‘I think we should let her go on the understanding that she gets help and stays away from the show,’ Claire said. ‘I don’t think arresting her would be the right thing. It’s nearly Christmas, after all.’