‘The fact we have film of your truck arriving at Cold Christmas, and of you walking towards the church carrying the air rifle, which I strongly suspect is the same weapon you used to shoot at me and my colleague.’

A brief pause. ‘No proof, then.’

Pissed, perhaps, but not stupid.

She smiled. ‘So you’re happy to submit the rifle for forensic examination.’

‘Well, now.’ Albone’s eyes closed briefly as he suppressed a belch. ‘Let’s not get excited.’

‘I’ll take that as a yes on all counts.’

Albone sighed and shuffled across to the nearest bench, where he slumped. ‘How did you find me?’

‘Through your benevolence to creatures besides your fellow man,’ she said, remembering the light-coloured shape in the CCTV footage. ‘You arrived with a bale of hay in your truck, but later it was gone, obviously having been left for the pony in the stable down there – Magic, I believe.’ She went on as his frown deepened. ‘The registered stable owners are grateful for your ongoing donations, and happily directed us towards the generous resident farmer who spends most nights in his local watering hole.’

‘Didn’t even ask why we wanted to know,’ Frank added. ‘Probably thought we were handing out some sort of community award.’

‘You should be,’ Albone retorted, suddenly serious. ‘Can’t blame me for trying when local plod isn’t interested in our affairs.’

Hawkins took a step towards him. ‘What affairs?’

‘Upkeep of a listed monument.’ He glanced in the direction of Cold Christmas. ‘The church is supposed to be a protected historical site, not some shitty tourist attraction. There are signs up, for all the bloody good they do. Place has gone to rack and ruin thanks to those irresponsible fuckers.’

‘Pardoning everyone’s French,’ Hawkins responded, ‘exactly which irresponsible fuckers are these?’

‘Worshippers.’ He spat the answer. ‘All denominations, of course, flocking here for the supposed spiritual connections, vandalizing the place with their stupid graffiti.’

Hawkins glanced at Frank. ‘And you make sure they don’t feel welcome by shooting at anyone who turns up, whether they’re causing damage or not.’

Albone shrugged. ‘Can’t be too careful.’

‘Great way to get yourself arrested.’ She got ready to haul him to his feet. ‘How many people have you wounded?’

‘None.’ Said with defiance.

‘Rubbish.’

He glared back at her. ‘Think I’m some kind of amateur, do you?’

She eyed him. ‘You missed us on purpose.’

‘She gets it.’ Albone rolled his eyes at Frank, a stupid woman gesture that made her temper flare. ‘Bloody rabbits don’t stand on ceremony, you know. Nail ’em first time, or they’re gone before you reload.’

Hawkins’ mind flashed to the previous day, to the first couple of pellets that sailed cleanly past her and Chris. Both clear shots on unsuspecting, stationary targets.

‘What about others?’ she asked. ‘Are there more like you?’