Spencer asked if he could recall the Monday of the murder. Alistair immediately opened a large diary, saying his job meant that he was required by the council to make a note of everything and had to ensure all receipts were kept. He was very proud of his meticulous records. As he opened the diary, he explained to Spencer that he had to ensure the safety of a number of residents as they were very physically challenged. He went into detail about the problems they had with their small lift and that it was important to maintain it as so many people were dependent on it to get to their rooms.

Although Spencer was eager to get to the main reason he was there, Alistair was so helpful that he didn’t want to pressure him. Alistair gestured to one page after another, listing therapy sessions, health visitors and family visits. He turned another page slowly, pointing out with a pen the neat lists of appointments alongside residents’ names.

At last he got to the Monday in question.

‘Right, here we are . . . Monday. You want to know about Michael Langton?’

‘That’s right.’

‘On that Monday I have him down for an art class. He is very good, you know – especially oils.’

Spencer nodded.

‘He also had an appointment with the osteopath. I remember that clearly because he was having a great deal of pain from his prosthetic legs and they needed to be adjusted. They’re handmade, but with Michael having no knee joint, there is always a question of his balance.’

‘Five p.m. collection.’ Spencer pointed to the diary entry.

‘Yes, that’s correct. He has a spa treatment three times a week.’

Spencer knew exactly what the ‘spa treatment’ was. Beneath Michael’s appointment were numerous other appointments made for other residents. Spencer leaned in even closer.

‘Do you have the time that Mr. Langton returned to the care home?’

Alistair looked down the page and said that he usually required arrival and departure times in case they need any assistance. But he had no time written down for when Michael Langton had returned as Michael didn’t require assistance until bedtime. Then he needed to be bathed and undressed, usually at about 9:30 p.m.

‘I have a feeling that Michael would have returned at about half past seven, or perhaps even before that,’ Spencer suggested.

Alistair flicked through the diary. ‘Yes, you’re right. He usually does return about that time. About seven p.m. normally.’ He pointed to a previous Monday in the diary.

Spencer frowned. ‘Is there anyone else I can ask? I need to know exactly what time he got back on that Monday.’