‘Absolute rubbish! There is no possible way I would ever allow my daughter, who has only just turned seventeen, to do that. There has to be a mistake. She has never expressed any desire to be a model, although she is an extraordinarily beautiful girl. She is academically very bright and is determined to go to art college.’

Jane persisted. ‘She may not have admitted to you, or to your wife, that she had sent her photograph and particulars into the KatWalk agency. But we do have evidence that her photograph was with the agency. I am here to make inquiries about an incident that may have occurred relating to her work there.’

He pushed his chair and stood up. ‘Please wait one moment.’

He walked out and Jane heard him call out for his wife. She could then hear fragments of their conversation: ‘Annalise has been silly . . . she’s lied to us . . . No, I think it would be best for her to come down and talk to Detective Tennison.’

Ten minutes later Montgomery returned to the room and sat down. ‘Annalise will be joining us in a moment. I would like you to be completely honest with me, Detective Tennison. It is very distressing that our daughter has lied about this modelling thing, but I need to know, before she comes to talk to you, the consequences of any connection she might have to your investigation.’

Jane took her time considering how she should phrase it. ‘Your daughter is not a suspect in our investigation and I have no reason to think she has broken the law, but I believe she knew the victim and may be able to assist our inquiries.’ She made it sound as official as she could, but the truth was she was on a fishing expedition that had not been sanctioned by anyone.

There was a light knock on the door. Jane had seen the photograph of Annalise on the piano, but she was far more beautiful in the flesh, and if she looked like a model, it wasn’t the Twiggy type. She was at least five foot eight, with quite broad shoulders. Even though she was wearing a baggy tracksuit, it was clear she had a voluptuous figure.

‘Now, don’t be frightened, darling, just come in and sit down,’ Mr. Montgomery beckoned.

Annalise, head bowed, shuffled into the room.

Mr. Montgomery fetched a hardback chair for his daughter to sit down. He rested his hands on her shoulders and lightly kissed the top of her head. ‘Everything’s all right. I’m not angry, and nor is your mamma. Just answer Detective Tennison truthfully and there will be no repercussions.’

Annalise had thick, wavy, strawberry blonde hair that fell below her shoulders. She kept her head bent forward so it was hard for Jane to read her expression.

‘Hello, Annalise. Now, can you tell us about Julia Summers and how you got involved with KatWalk?’