Jane had her ID card ready. ‘I’m Detective Sergeant Jane Tennison. I’m hoping to speak to Justine Harris.’

‘I’m afraid that won’t be possible,’ he said, handing back her ID.

‘It is very important. May I ask who you are?’

‘I am not sure it is any of your business, but I’m George Henson.’

Jane didn’t know if the name should mean anything to her, but there was something theatrical about his manner and something quite familiar about his face.

‘It’s about her husband, or ex-husband, isn’t it?’

Jane nodded. ‘Yes, I don’t know how much you’ve been told.’

‘Detective, you will not be able to speak to Justine because she attempted suicide this afternoon and is at St Mary’s Hospital.’

Jane gasped. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘As soon as I was alerted to Justine’s situation,’ Henson continued, ‘I came over to secure the house. I’m a close family friend. While I was here, her ex-husband’s dog walker deposited two of his animals. I have no option but to look after them now.’

Jane was still taken aback, not only about the information regarding Justine Harris, but she also found Mr. Henson’s attitude unnerving.

‘I will obviously need to contact Ms. Harris again after she’s hopefully made a full recovery. Thank you for your time, Mr. Henson.’

He shrugged. ‘Think nothing of it.’ He hesitated for a moment, then added, ‘He was a despicable human being, a detestable man who treated his wife and his only child with a blatant disregard for their feelings. Whoever killed him has done everyone who had to deal with him a great favor.’

Jane was shocked, but this time she was able to meet Henson’s piercing gaze.

‘Was he your agent?’

Henson laughed, shaking his head. ‘Thankfully, he didn’t represent me. Goodnight.’ He shut the door, sliding the bolt across.

Jane drove to the nearest phone kiosk and called the station, asking for a message to be relayed to DCI Tyler that Justine Harris had been admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, after a failed suicide attempt.

She also wanted the unpleasant Mr. Henson to be checked out.

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

When Jane got home she had eight calls on her answering machine. She kicked off her shoes and pressed play. The first one was from DCI Tyler. ‘Please contact me ASAP. I’m still at the station.’

There were three previous calls, all from Tyler and equally abrupt. There was also a call from her mother and one from her sister, which Jane fast-forwarded through as she dialed Tyler’s direct number.

The phone was snatched up immediately. ‘DCI Leonard Tyler.’

‘It’s Jane Tennison, sir.’