They watched the side of the pickup truck slide past, reversing left to right across the camera before turning back the way it had come.

‘Still no sodding number plate,’ Hawkins said. ‘Can we tell make and model, at least?’

‘Sorry, pet, don’t do motors. It’s one of those whacking great off-road things. Beyond that I canna say.’

‘Mitsubishi L200,’ Roger called from the far side of the office, making them both look up. ‘Here, I’ll show you.’

They both joined the sergeant in front of his twin display. On one screen was a Google search showing multiple images of the large Mitsubishi, while on the other he started the security camera footage at half speed, pointing as the vehicle ghosted through. ‘See how the door kicks up in front of the back wheel?’

Frank squinted. ‘Not really.’

‘OK.’ Roger scanned forwards. ‘It’s clearer on the return.’

They all watched as the 4x4 moved back through frame. The sergeant ran his mouse pointer across the rear door. ‘See it now?’

‘You’re clutching at straws there, pal.’ Frank patted his shoulders. ‘It’s hardly conclusive.’

‘Wait.’ Hawkins was no longer listening to them. ‘Play both vehicle sequences again.’

Roger frowned but did as he was told, using the software to clip the truck’s two cameos so they could be played back to back.

Hawkins waited for the vehicle to make its initial pass, pointing not at the rear door, but at the cargo bed. ‘You see he’s carrying something here?’

Both men nodded, acknowledging the light-coloured rectangular shape clearly visible in the rear of the truck.

‘OK, now look again as it returns.’ She watched the vehicle reverse into view. ‘It’s gone.’

‘She’s right.’ Frank leaned closer as Roger rewound the footage and played it again, bringing the shape back into view. ‘But resolution’s crap. What the hell is it?’

‘Got me,’ Roger mumbled.

Hawkins smiled. ‘Well, that’s where you’re in luck, gentlemen. Because not only do I know what our mystery guest has there; I also know why it disappears.’ Both men turned perplexed stares her way, as she continued cryptically, ‘And with a bit of luck, it’ll lead us straight to him.’

29

‘Well, look at that.’ Frank pointed across the small but busy car park. ‘Old Nerdy was right.’

Hawkins finished aligning the Giulietta and followed his gaze towards the lettering now picked out by their headlights on the black tailgate opposite.

Mitsubishi L200.

She undid her seat belt. ‘Looks like he’s in, then.’

Silently she thanked the reclusive tech sergeant, who was still at Becke House, checking through what remained of the gatepost footage for any more pivotal sequences featuring the gunman or other visitors to Cold Christmas.