Trudy composed herself and sighed. ‘Yes, sir,’ she agreed, expecting the usual prurient demand for information that she couldn’t give out.

‘I’ve just read the article about Terrence Parker.’

‘Yes, sir,’ Trudy said again, forcing herself to remain calm. It was no good letting thoughts of Duncan rile her like this – especially since her own boss had put him up to it. ‘But I’m afraid I can’t give out any information other than that which has already appeared in the newspapers.’

There was a moment’s puzzled silence, and then the voice said, somewhat amused, ‘Yes, I’m sure that’s so. I’m calling, however, to give you some information. The article has asked for anyone who knew Mr Terrence Parker to contact you?’

Trudy sat up a little straighter in her chair. She turned to a fresh page on her notebook. ‘You know Mr Parker, sir?’

‘Yes. But it’s rather … well, let’s just say that I prefer to be discreet about this. What I have to tell you, I wouldn’t like to discuss over an open telephone line. Can you possibly call on me? Normally I’d be happy to come to you at the police station, but with the roads being like they are, I’m afraid of ending up in a snowdrift.’

Trudy did just wonder, momentarily, if this could possibly be another time-waster, maybe somewhat bolder than the rest, but something about his tone of voice made her think that he was not.

‘That’s all right, I understand perfectly. Where do you live, sir?’

‘I’m at my office in Aldates at the moment.’

Even better, Trudy thought. She wouldn’t even have to try and find a ride – she could walk it easily. She took a note of his address, listened to his directions on how to find the office, and promised to be there as soon as possible.

It was just as she was shrugging into her coat that she remembered she’d promised to call Dr Ryder sometime today, and had so far been remiss.

She quickly rang his home number and was rather frostily told by his son that his father had gone into his office to check on things, so she thanked him and hung up.

She rang the coroner’s office, relieved to be told by his secretary that the coroner was free. Due to the weather, court wasn’t sitting, since witnesses and office staff were finding it hard to get about, just like the rest of the country at the moment.

When she was put through, she asked him if he wanted to meet her outside Christ Church to go and talk to a mysterious man who had some very discreet information about their dead man. He couldn’t say yes fast enough.

*