Alldridge looked again at the chessboard, studying it more closely now. He frowned, thoughtfully. ‘You’re in the middle of a game?’

‘Yes, Eden and I play regularly – she taught me how to play a few months ago. We used to play Scrabble, but she has a much better vocabulary than me – she’s better educated – and always thrashed me. She thought if I learned chess, we might be able to play something that’s more of a level playing field for us.’

Alldridge nodded. ‘Who’s white?’

‘Eden.’

‘And whose move?’

‘Mine.’

The officer leaned forward, studying the pieces more intently now.

‘Do you play?’ Niall asked.

‘Yes, whenever I can – I’m a member of a chess club.’ Alldridge nodded thoughtfully. ‘Interesting situation you’re in.’

‘Not great, a rook down, eh?’ Niall said. ‘I think I’m struggling.’

‘Looks like she used Botvinnik’s classic English Opening and you’ve countered with his French Defence,’ Alldridge said approvingly.

‘I’m not too up on all the Grand Master moves,’ Niall said. ‘I tend to play survival chess.’

Smiling, Alldridge studied the game for a few more moments then switched his attention back to the job he was here to do. ‘It may be a silly question,’ he said, ‘but have you checked the house thoroughly? The outside? Do you have a garden shed?’

Niall looked, for an instant, as if the thought had not occurred. ‘Yes, well, yes, there’s not exactly much to check.’ Then, defensively, he added, ‘Like . . .’ He windmilled his arms again. ‘This place is not exactly a stately home set in rolling acres, is it?’

‘Like Parham House?’ PC Little interjected.

‘Is a huge mansion like Parham House the kind of place you feel you should be living in?’ Alldridge said a little sarcastically.

‘Yes, and as I said, one day I – we – will.’

The two officers shot a glance at each other. ‘I think it might be a good idea if we check the house and your garden with you, sir,’ Holly Little said.

‘Be my guests, but I can tell you, she’s not here.’

‘Let’s make sure, shall we?’ she said.

14

Monday 2 September

Niall stood up, clearly rattled. ‘Right, this is the lounge – front parlour – drawing room—’ He assumed an exaggeratedly posh accent. ‘And this,’ he pointed through the archway at a smoked-glass dining table with four white suede chairs, ‘is the formal dining room.’

Next, they went into the kitchen. ‘Wow, this is nice – I’d love a kitchen like this!’ Little said.

‘It’s very nice but it sure wasn’t cheap,’ Niall said.

Alldridge eyed him with growing discomfort. Holly stopped and stared at the island unit, and then at the floor. ‘Blood?’ she asked, noticing the red blotches.

‘From the damn potato peeler,’ Niall replied. ‘You’re thinking I murdered her, aren’t you? I saw you looking at all the crime books and DVDs in the living room. If I’d murdered Eden, do you really think I’d leave bloodstains everywhere?’ He shook his head. ‘I’m not a complete idiot.’