A Fatal Flaw: A gripping, twisty murder mystery perfect for all crime fiction fans. Faith Martin

yes, I’m sure of it. It’s not the kind of thing she would have dared do if Abby hadn’t bullied her into doing it. I know for a fact that Vicky’s mum can’t have approved.’

      ‘But she’s a grown woman now,’ Trudy pointed out gently. ‘They weren’t at school anymore.’

      William shrugged. ‘Abby just had power over people. I can’t really explain it. She could be wonderful, and then you felt lifted up, like you were flying among the stars. But woe betide anyone who earned her scorn. She could turn cold on you at the drop of a hat and without any warning, and make you feel utterly miserable.’

      ‘Did she ever do that to you?’ Trudy asked curiously.

      William smiled. ‘Yes. I know I shouldn’t really say this, but when it became clear that she was getting bored of me, and finally threw me over, it was almost a relief. I’m much happier with Shirley now, anyway. You know where you are with Shirley.’

      But Trudy wasn’t interested in his new lady love.

      ‘Did Abby ever talk about what was happening at the beauty contest?’ she asked instead.

      ‘What do you mean?’ he responded, puzzled.

      ‘Never mind.’ Trudy changed the subject quickly. The less people knew about the trouble at the theatre, the better. ‘Do you know anybody who might have wanted to hurt Abby? You said she could be a bit bossy and unkind. Can you think of someone she really upset?’

      William’s eyes shifted quickly. ‘No, not really.’

      Trudy shot Clement a quick look and he nodded back. Both thought that the young man was now lying.

      ‘It’s important, William,’ Trudy insisted gently. ‘If we’re going to get to the bottom of what happened to Abby, it’s important that we get a clear picture of what was happening in her life.’

      ‘What does that mean? She drank that poisonous stuff by accident, didn’t she?’ he demanded, looking from Trudy to the coroner a little wildly.

      ‘Perhaps she did, but perhaps she didn’t,’ Trudy said unhelpfully. ‘So, did she ever seem frightened of anyone?’ she tried again.

      William shrugged, clearly unhappy with the turn things had taken. He’d obviously believed in the ‘accident’ theory and the prospect of something more sinister being at work was unsettling him.

      Trudy could tell his mind was working overtime, and she shot Clement another look. He, too, was watching the younger man closely.