There were things I wanted to say. Like the cops aren’t my friends. Like did she know a good criminal lawyer. Instead, I gambled that Maggie would have picked on a nice, reliable chap like Gavin as the concerned person who would be informed of her whereabouts. So I simply asked, “Do you know where she’s being held?”

He nodded grudgingly. “They rang me about half an hour ago. They’ve got her at Macclesfield cop shop. I asked about lawyers, but they said they would be arranging that with Maggie.”

“Thanks. I’ll make sure she’s got a good one.”

“Don’t you think you’ve done enough?” he said bitterly. There didn’t seem much I could say to that, so I turned and walked back down the path.

I made good time back over the motorway. I’d rung Macclesfield police station from the motorway services. I regretted the impulse as soon as I was connected to Cliff Jackson.

“I’m glad you rang,” he growled. He didn’t sound it. “I want a word with you.”

“How can I help, Inspector?” I said. It’s a lot easier to sound sweet and helpful when there’s forty miles of road between you.

“There’s nothing gets on my threepennies more than people like

“If I knew what you were referring to, Inspector, I might be able to offer you some reassurance as to my future conduct.” He really brought out the lawyer in me.

“The way you conveniently forgot to mention that Maggie Rossiter was not only in the vicinity of Colcutt Manor at the time of Moira Pollock’s death but was also out and about in the highways and by-ways of Cheshire at the relevant time,” he snarled.

“Well, for one thing, Inspector, I wasn’t even sure what the relevant time was. The fact that she was in the lane a good hour after Jett and I discovered the body didn’t seem especially revelant to me, I have to admit.”

“Don’t try to be clever with me, Ms. Brannigan. I’m not making idle threats here. If you interfere with the course of my investigation again, or if I find you’ve been withholding evidence, I’m going to come down on you so hard it’ll make your eyes water. Do I make myself plain?”

“As the proverbial pikestaff, Inspector.”

“Right. And I think I’ll be wanting another word with you about your version of events around the time of the murder. You seem rather more hazy than I’d expect from someone who thinks she’s as sharp as you do. I’d appreciate it if you could come into my office tomorrow morning at nine.”

Before I could refuse, the line went dead. Going back to Colcutt could only be an improvement on the day.