Several statements from Mary’s closest neighbours reported the noise of animals in distress on Friday evening; however, it had taken the fire itself for anybody to raise the alarm. Acrid smoke had drifted through an open window, and the neighbour had called the police to report illegal rubbish burning, until she noticed an unusual smell.

What Kelly really wanted to piece together was who came and went at the property, and who saw Mary regularly. A few neighbours reported that Mary could often be seen driving her car (she rarely walked), and the gates and bushes at the property prevented further prying, giving them very little to go on regarding her behaviour. Nobody reported seeing visitors. The houses around the village were scattered fairly well and they enjoyed privacy. Kelly had seen the lane out of the back of Mary’s property for herself: it was isolated and private, and somebody familiar with it could easily arrive and depart undetected. The only other entrance and exit was the front, and that was shrouded in trees and bushes. The gates were always closed.

The name of Frederick O’Reilly had popped up routinely and that was all it was, or so they thought. Initial interview notes coming from the O’Reillys were encouraging and perhaps Mr O’Reilly knew her better than anyone. That left them with only one strong lead into Mary’s routine: her social group led by Fred O’Reilly. It was something.

The Rose and Crown was thronged with tourists and locals, enjoying the last of the carvery on offer since midday. The owner provided four cuts of meat each weekend, and when they were gone, he closed the kitchen. It provided a roaring trade and the place was always packed. However, Kelly rarely chose the roast option, and the bar menu was just as good, with the staples offered in smaller portions, providing ample sustenance for their small party. Kelly had managed to convince Ted to sleep at her house tonight, and save him the journey to his cottage in Keswick. It also meant that he could enjoy a pint and let his hair down a little after yesterday’s gruelling work. His preliminary report had been in her inbox first thing this morning and she knew he must have stayed up half the night to complete it.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and Ted smiled broadly. She hugged him. They went in together and Johnny waved at them from the crowded bar. He chatted easily to people she didn’t know. That was his way: the opposite of hers. Johnny was well known in the area, not just for his mountain rescue work, but because he was damn good company and easy to talk to. His old army stories were popular with the locals and he rarely paid for beer.