‘Sir, we’ve had a call from the Nottinghamshire constabulary. There has been a road traffic incident on the M1. Three cars were involved and two people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries. It appears that one of those involved was Johnathan Martin, the husband of Amy Martin. He is in a critical condition and is currently in surgery. We’ve been asked to inform his wife,’ Elly said.

‘We were with her a little while ago.’ Palmer shook his head with disbelief.

‘You’d better go and speak to her.’ Barrett waved Elly on her way. ‘She may well need to be driven up to Nottingham. Which hospital is he in?’

‘Nottingham University Hospital,’ Elly said, checking her notes.

‘Just what we don’t need,’ Barrett growled. ‘Be as quick as you can.’

‘Yes, sir,’ Elly said and nodded, before disappearing out of the room, a serious expression on her face. She didn’t relish the task of delivering bad news to anyone, but surely, it couldn’t be worse than having to tell a teenager that his only parent was dead?

‘There is something else,’ Palmer cut in before Barrett could bark any further orders. ‘A mobile phone has been discovered in the river near where Janet Cox went into the water. We believe the phone might belong to the victim. It’s with forensics now.’

‘Good.’ Barrett looked satisfied for the first time that day. ‘Shirley Grubb is expected here in one hour.’ He checked his wristwatch. ‘I want to go over the statement from her husband before she arrives.’

‘I’m going to get a coffee, do you want one?’ Palmer asked, knowing the answer already.

‘Yes. Black, no sugar.’ They had been working together for a few years, but still Barrett told him, every single time, how he took his coffee. ‘I’ll be in my office.’

Palmer nodded and made his way towards the coffee machine, wishing instead that he was heading to the pub for an ice-cold beer.

Elly stood on the front porch waiting for Amy Martin to open the door. She was regretting wearing a black top and leggings as she felt the beads of sweat run down her neck.

Amy opened the door smiling, clearly expecting Elly to be someone else.

‘Mrs Martin?’ Elly spoke softly.

‘Yes.’ Amy looked at her suspiciously.

‘I’m DS Elly Hale. Is it possible to come in?’

‘I’ve spoken to your lot already today.’ Amy appeared mildly irritated.

‘We need to speak to you about your husband.’

‘Why?’ Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

‘It would be much better if you’d let us come in.’

‘Very well,’ Amy said, letting Elly and her companion, yet to introduce himself, past.

Once the three of them were in the kitchen, Amy softened and offered them some lemonade. Both officers declined.