‘I already have that, thank you. We’re just trying to establish where the car was between when it was taken and when it was found. It makes it easier for us to narrow the field of suspects. Who did you say your husband works for?’

‘Petersen Hydraulics. Petersen with an “e”.’

‘They sound foreign.’

‘Dutch.’

‘And they have offices in Hartlepool as well as here in Chelmsford?’

‘I don’t think so. He was seeing a customer up there. But I don’t see why that’s of interest. I just need to know where we stand with the insurance.’

‘If they’re an international company, don’t they offer their reps company cars?’

‘They do in the normal way of things. But Brian preferred to have the money instead, and sort a car out for himself. It works out better for us financially, in the long run. Anyway, he’s a bit fickle with cars, always chopping and changing. He’s got a couple of others he keeps at a friend’s yard, old things he calls his projects. He wasn’t heartbroken to see the back of this one, I don’t think.’

‘Did it give him trouble, then?’

‘Oh no. It was always reliable. Fords, they just keep going, don’t they? No, he just likes a change. He’s always been that way, ever since I’ve known him.’

‘So what’s he driving now?’

‘Something someone lent him as a stopgap. A Vauxhall, I think. Blue. Or is it silver?’

‘If you don’t mind me asking, if he’s so keen on his Fords, how come you have a Hyundai?’

‘It’s better suited to my needs. I have it through the Motability scheme.’

Naylor nods.

‘I see. I wonder if I could speak to your husband? Is he likely to be home this afternoon?’

‘I’m not expecting him today, no. I don’t think he’ll be home before Friday.’

‘Do you have a number I could contact him on?’

‘I’ve got his mobile.’

‘That would be great, thank you. And can I have your number here, just in case?’

Mrs Birch recites two numbers which Naylor notes down.

‘Well, thanks for your time. I’ll give you a card. Your husband’s welcome to ring me if I don’t get to him first.’

‘What about the insurance?’

‘I suggest you ring them and explain the situation. They’ll tell you how to proceed. Please, don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.’

When she sees Naylor drive away, Sheila picks up her phone and dials.

‘Hello, babe,’ Brian Birch answers. ‘How’re you doing?’

There’s noise in the background, the murmur of traffic and tyres on tarmac.

‘Oh, I’m all right,’ she says, and sighs. ‘Tired.’

‘You take it easy, lady. What’re you up to today?’

‘Not much. Where are you?’