John Sweetman

That evening, Sheila, who could see Elaine's apartment from her own place, noticed that the lights weren't on.

She assumed Elaine had gone to bed early and sent her a message.

See you at 7.15am.

Elaine's sister Anne also texted her that evening to say she was glad to hear she was out of hospital.

Neither Sheila or Anne got any reply.

At the time, that in itself didn't seem unusual.

The following morning, Thursday 23rd of August 2012, Elaine didn't arrive to meet Sheila.

Sheila tried calling her, letting the phone ring out, expecting a call back, but there was nothing.

After a short while she drove over to Elaine's apartment and tried the buzzer, waiting longer than usual before pressing it again.

There was still no response.

By 8.30 a.m.

she had called Frank.

He had a key to Elaine's apartment that she had given to him for emergencies.

When he let himself in the apartment was quiet.

At first glance nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

But as he moved through the space, he noticed something was not quite right.

Elaine's iPhone was on the counter, plugged in and fully charged, and her handbag was nearby, with her keys, wallet and medication inside.

They were things Elaine wouldn't leave home without.

At first, he tried to explain it away.

She might have stepped out briefly, gone somewhere nearby, or left in a hurry.