‘Boss?’

‘Yes, how’s it going Angela? Any more information on Rory and his whereabouts?’

‘We do. His car triggered another ANPR hit and it looks like he is heading towards the motorway exit used to access Anna’s mothers address in Altrincham.’

Even though Anna’s mum is convinced of Rory’s innocence, my blood runs cold at the thought of him on the loose, potentially having dumped Ed’s body somewhere, dead or alive. Maybe he’s planning on killing everyone he can who is connected with his ex-fiancée.

When I try to reply, I find my mouth has gone dry and no sound comes out.

‘Boss?’ Angela repeats.

‘I’m on my way,’ I manage to get out.

The roads are quiet and it doesn’t take long to navigate our way to Altrincham. The driveway is empty as we make our way past the house. We turn a corner and park the car a little farther up the road, careful to remain as inconspicuous as possible; a hard task in a police car with luminous stripes along the side.

‘Did you ring ahead?’ asks Liam as he gets out of the car.

I slam my door closed.

‘No,’ I reply. ‘I thought about it but I didn’t want to give Rory a head start if he’s already there.’

There are no lights on in the house, despite it only being shortly after ten o’clock. Anna’s mother must be a fan of an early night. I push the gate and hold it open for Liam, who walks through with a nod of his head before knocking firmly on the door. I make sure the gate has latched properly before going to stand at his side.

For a while, there is no movement. Then, a light illuminates the frosted pane of glass to the side of the door.

‘Who is it?’ says a cracked voice.

‘DI Piper and DS Sutton,’ I respond, pushing my ID against the glass window. The scrape of the latch sounds and the door opens slowly, revealing Anna’s mother. She is wearing flowery pyjamas, her hair is messy and her eyes haven’t opened fully yet.

‘Come in,’ she utters, ‘you’ll catch your death out there.’

We follow her once more into the living room and take a seat. ‘You’ll have to excuse my attire, I can’t stand the darkness of the winter nights so I take myself off to bed. Usually with a book, but tonight I must’ve drifted off straight away,’ she says when she has sat down opposite us.

‘We’re sorry that we are here at this time, but we have a few important questions that couldn’t wait,’ I say, trying to keep my voice level so as not to worry her, though I can see that she looks apprehensive.

‘Have you seen Rory since we last spoke?’

She shakes her head.

‘Any contact at all?’

‘None,’ she answers, shaking her head again. ‘Why?’

I consider my answer. I do not want to worry her unnecessarily, but it is important she realises that he is a dangerous man.