‘We have reason to believe …’

‘Oh God.’ Gerald put his round head in his hands and let out a moan.

‘Sir,’ Palmer said as he moved closer and spoke in soothing tones, ‘when did you last see your wife?’

Gerald looked up into Palmer’s deep blue eyes, searching for answers.

‘Yesterday. She left to go to her book club.’

‘What time was that?’ Barrett took a step forward, wanting to regain control of the interview. Palmer, knowing his place, moved back to let his superior do his job.

‘Why are you asking me these questions?’ Gerald looked small and fragile sitting in the chair. Palmer and Barrett both found it difficult to imagine him being married to the victim.

‘We have recovered …’ it was Barrett’s turn to clear his throat, ‘a body.’

‘No.’ Gerald’s steely grey eyes filled with anger and he stood. ‘Impossible. She is with a friend. That’s all. You’ll see. She just decided to stay with a friend. I’ll call her now. I’ll prove it.’ He reached into his pocket and removed his mobile phone. Before he was able to summon her number, Barrett’s hand came down and clenched his wrist.

‘I am afraid we will need to seize your phone.’

‘What?’ Gerald glared at the DCI suspiciously.

‘A body was discovered on Stourbridge Common this morning. We have reason to believe that the victim is your wife.’ Barrett swallowed, and loosened his grip a little. ‘I am sorry.’

Both men, who were now standing, locked eyes. Barrett’s gaze did not waver, but Gerald crumpled into a heap on the orange and brown 1970s carpet, his whole body shaking.

The policemen looked at each other, not sure what they should do. For Palmer, this was the first time he’d had to break the news of a murder to a relative. Barrett was much more used to this part of the job, but had never seen a reaction like Gerald’s before.

‘Get the man a glass of water,’ Barrett barked to Palmer.

Palmer, pleased to be leaving the room, skipped off to find the kitchen. He was grateful to be away from the heavy atmosphere, if only for a moment.

‘We are going to need you to come to the station with us.’ Barrett squatted on his heel so he could be face to face with the man who was falling apart in front of him. ‘Is there anyone you’d like us to call?’

‘How do you know it’s her?’ Gerald managed to croak.

‘We found a handbag containing her driving licence at the scene.’

Gerald looked past the detective and out through the net curtain as if he’d noticed something. Barrett followed his gaze but saw nothing.

‘Sir?’

‘She might have just lost her handbag. Or had it stolen.’ Gerald appeared pathetic, but Barrett understood the man’s need to clutch at straws.