De Vakey, The Pursuit of Evil A middle-aged woman opened the door of the Sparrow house before Stevie had a chance to knock. ‘I’ve been expecting you,’ the woman said. ‘I’m Jane Cunningham, the social worker. Come in.’ Stevie and De Vakey followed her into the hall. The severe effect of the twin-set and French twist was diminished by Jane Cunningham’s lack of footwear. Her stockinged toes curled when she saw Stevie checking them out with a grin. ‘I don’t see what’s so funny,’ Jane Cunningham said, ‘Mrs Sparrow likes people to take their shoes off before they come inside.’ Stevie thought back to the trainers she’d seen standing to attention in Michelle’s front entrance. Martin Sparrow was obviously a creature of habit. Stifling her smile, Stevie made the introductions and toed off her own trainers. De Vakey bent down and undid his shoelaces, placing his polished brogues side by side. She noticed his eyes drop to the hole in her sock and acknowledged his humorous glint with a wriggle of her exposed toe.
