Kelly coughed uncomfortably as Annie Spencer came back into the kitchen and sat down. The woman looked irritable, as well she might. They’d already witnessed her degree of annoyance at her husband’s lack of cooperation thus far. Coming between a husband and wife on an investigation was tricky: at the end of the day, their loyalties were to each other, and picking apart what was truth and lies could be treacherous.

‘Would you like to tell us your version?’ Kelly asked.

‘I don’t know what Joe told you but I presume he told you about the group. I didn’t like them, apart from Fred and Sandra. There was another man, another would-be leader, who worried me. He once made a suggestion to me about similar groups who worship naked. I told Joe, and Fred dealt with it, it was just another item on the long list of ugly reasons why nobody liked him.’

‘Kirk Junker?’

‘Yes.’

‘But Mary did.’

‘She seemed to. She certainly never spoke to me about him, but what would I know? I was never comfortable with any of it. But the O’Reillys are good people. I don’t mind going over for a barbecue but I don’t want to get involved in the Pagan stuff. It gives me the creeps.’

‘Fair enough. In your opinion, was Kirk Junker capable of murder, as well as cruelty to animals?’

‘One hundred per cent, yes. I know I didn’t have much to do with him but there was something so odd about him.’

‘Have you any idea where he went? Did anyone see him again?’

‘I don’t know. I never asked.’

‘It’s really important that we find out what happened to him. Do you know where he lived?’

‘No. I think he stayed with Mary sometimes, and with Fred also. I’m sorry I can’t help.’

‘He stayed with the O’Reillys?’

‘And Jock Harris.’ Kelly looked at Rob; she wasn’t familiar with every member of the group, she’d just read their statements. Rob nodded, indicating that he’d fill her in later.

‘Do you think you could help a police artist come up with a photofit?’

‘I could try. I mean, we could try. Between Joe and I, we should be able to, but why don’t you ask Fred or Jock?’

‘That’s exactly what we intend to do. Mrs Spencer, thank you. If you think of anything else…’

Kelly indicated to Rob that it was time to leave and they gathered their things. Annie looked relieved to have them finally going, and they said goodbye. They walked back to the car and got in. Rob started the engine.

‘They’re still not telling us everything,’ Kelly said.

Chapter 33