‘That’s really useful, Callie, but I’m afraid it means I’m going to have to leave you again briefly. I’m sorry, but I need to see if we can track Vincent down. While you wait I’m arranging for you to have a bit more than a sandwich to eat. There’s a hot meal on its way, and one of my colleagues will sit with you to keep you company. I won’t be long.’

Becky lumbered up the stairs, determined not to resort to the lift until she absolutely had to, and sat down at her computer. She was hoping to hear from Tom about progress at the scene and couldn’t help wishing she was there by his side, although she wasn’t sure how much use she would be with Buster – as her partner Mark had started to call the baby – on board.

Instead of the rush she would be feeling if she was there, she had the joyous task of hunting down Judith’s husband, although it wouldn’t take long. They knew more about the Atwell family than she had let on to Callie, and it was relatively easy to locate the address and phone number of Vincent.

‘Vincent Bickerton? This is Detective Inspector Robinson of the Greater Manchester Police. I wonder if you could give me a little information. It’s about your wife, Judith.’

‘What’s happened to her? Is she okay?’ There was no mistaking the panic in his voice.

‘Can I ask when you last saw her, Mr Bickerton?’

She heard what sounded almost like a moan from the other end of the line. ‘I don’t know why you’re asking questions unless something’s up. It’s nearly a year since she went, and I still don’t believe it.’

‘Went where, sir?’

‘Her sister had a fall, and Judith went to help out. I knew it was a mistake and that Thea wanted her to move in with them. She couldn’t manage the house any more, you see. She wanted a free housekeeper, and Judith was always so willing, so happy to help.’

‘But your wife didn’t come home?’

‘I begged her not to go. I knew that weird bastard Garrick would fill her head with rubbish, make her feel guilty about leaving them. And now she’s refusing to see me. Thea says Judith’s told her she never wants to see me again.’

Becky heard Vincent Bickerton’s voice break.

‘Why do you think she won’t talk to you, Mr Bickerton?’

‘I think they’ve twisted her mind. They’ll have convinced her that their need is greater than mine. I don’t know. They’re incredibly persuasive. Somehow they have the ability to make you fall under their spell – to make you trust them. And then you learn the truth. They’re not who you think, you know.’

CHAPTER 67

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