‘It couldn’t be done.’

‘You don’t know anyone capable of it?’

Sandra faltered. She looked down and back inside the house as if looking for Fred to rescue her.

‘Only Mary.’

‘Thank you, Sandra.’ Kelly gave the woman a card and they said goodbye.

On their way back to Kelly’s car, Rob munched on a biscuit he’d taken as they left. ‘These are incredible. I was waiting for cake; I could smell something baking in the oven.’

‘What were you doing in there?’ Kelly had spotted him taking profuse notes.

‘Sketching.’

‘What?’

‘Behind Fred, in front of the window, there was a table. It was where he was burning his incense.’

‘Yes, I saw it.’

‘It was exactly the same as a table set up in Mary Hales’ front room. It was just about the only thing that wasn’t destroyed. It was a small desk-sized table, covered in a cloth, with what looked like ornaments on top. Fred’s table reminded me of it, so I’m going to have a look when we get back.’

‘What’s on your mind?’ Kelly asked.

‘Fred and Sandra’s garden is south-facing.’

‘Yes?’

‘So the table faced west.’

Kelly unlocked the car and they got in. She sat behind the wheel and started the engine. Rob slammed his door.

‘And you’re going to tell me that so did Mary’s.’

‘Yes.’

‘And does this mean something?’

Kelly put her belt on and checked her mirrors, pulling away from the home of Sandra and Fred O’Reilly.

‘I don’t know, but they looked the same. I’m sure – in my limited knowledge – that birdwatching groups don’t have tables facing compass points containing trinkets like candles, pots and shells, which look as though they’ve come straight out of a magic potion book.’

Kelly stopped at a junction.

‘You think they’re running some sort of magic ritual cult? Like that young journalist accuses?’

‘I’ll tell you later.’

Chapter 27

Kelly studied the photos of the animals found dead in the forests surrounding Birkett Mire back in 2005. DC Emma Hide had been busy and had flagged up several curious factors not seen as significant on the original investigation. It was over fifteen years ago and yet something about the veterinary report on the animals found in the forests of Birkett Mire reminded her about the remains of the animals in Mary’s yard. It wasn’t long before she found the images she was looking for.