River of Destiny. Barbara Erskine

seen it over the years.’

      ‘Including you?’

      ‘Yes.’

      ‘And Zoë and Ken?’

      ‘Yes.’

      Jeff put his empty glass down on the wall. ‘Have you ever thought, mate, that it might be something in the water, or ergot in the bread, or something?’

      Leo laughed out loud. He picked up the glasses and headed for the kitchen. ‘Hang on while I get us a refill.’ He reappeared moments later with both glasses filled to overflowing. ‘You don’t ever get ghosts in The Summer Barn, then?’

      Jeff laughed. ‘My kids would scare termites. You think ghosts would stand a chance?’

      ‘I’ll take that as a no.’

      ‘Too bloody right it’s a no.’

      ‘And you haven’t seen anything like this lying round your house?’ He reached into his pocket and produced half a dozen of the twisted misshapen nails.