Overwhelmed by Nick’s intrusive presence on Boxing Day and Arlo’s acceptance of him, Ash decides she must act. She tells Nina she is going sales shopping, then takes the train to Cambridge and a bus to Cherry Hinton to pursue the lead on Justin Warshaw’s past address.

At the Kingston Gardens house, a current American couple confirm a previous tenant named Laura lived there with two young daughters about ten years earlier. They suggest Ash speak to their landlady, Petula, who owns a nearby hair salon.

Petula, recognizing Nick/Justin in a LinkedIn photo on Ash’s phone, recounts that Laura’s husband, Justin, was charming but manipulative. Petula describes classic abusive behaviors—gaslighting, love-bombing, and verbal manipulation—and says Justin disappeared, leaving Laura with two small daughters and substantial debt. Petula recalls Laura as intelligent and respected, running a successful proofreading business, and insists Laura was not foolish but victimized. She warns Ash to ensure Nina keeps control of her money or, better, to remove Nick from their lives.

From Petula, Ash learns Laura’s full name is Laura Drummond, that Laura did not take Justin’s surname, and that the daughters are named Lola and Evie. Petula provides Laura’s date of birth via the old lease and confirms the move-out was around ten years ago due to financial strain from Justin’s debts.

In a café, Ash searches online using the new details and finds Laura Drummond Proofreading Services in Peterborough, with an office address and phone number. The business voicemail says Laura is away until 2 January and invites urgent contact by email.

Ash composes and sends an email introducing herself, explaining that her mother is dating Nick Radcliffe, formerly Justin Warshaw, and asking to talk due to concerns. She provides her contact details, effectively setting up the next stage of her investigation.