‘The photo ID, well …’ he hated this part, ‘it matches the appearance of the deceased.’

Gerald sat in the back of the car looking blankly out of the window. It didn’t take too long to drive through the city to Parkside police station in the centre. Once the car had pulled in, and the officers had got out, they opened the door for Gerald and encouraged him out of the car. He was on autopilot and did as he was told.

Once inside the tall grey building that overlooked Parker’s Piece, Gerald was led to a room and offered a cup of tea, which he declined. It wasn’t tea that he needed, it was Toni.

‘I understand this is a very difficult time for you, Mr Jones, but I’m afraid we need to take a statement.’ DI Palmer sat on the plastic chair opposite Gerald and crossed his legs.

‘I want to see her.’ Gerald straightened up, trying to look taller and more confident than he was.

‘I’m afraid I wouldn’t advise that at the moment.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ Gerald’s piggy eyes filled with tears.

‘Your wife was brutally attacked.’

‘No!’ Gerald let out a low moan and buried his face in the palms of his hands.

‘I know this is difficult, but we need to ask you some questions.’

Gerald lifted his face; snot was running from his nose, over his lips and down his chin.

‘We need to know where you were last night.’ DCI Barrett removed a tissue from the box on the table and handed it to Gerald.

‘I was at home.’

‘Can anyone corroborate that?’

‘I was alone.’ Palmer and Barrett threw each other a knowing look.

‘Can you tell us what you were doing?’

‘I was watching telly.’

‘What did you watch?’

‘A show about gardening.’

‘What time was that?’

‘Oh, err …’ Gerald looked decidedly flustered, ‘I think … maybe eight o’clock.’

‘You think?’ Barrett leant in closer, studying the man’s face. ‘This is a murder investigation, sir. The details are important.’

‘Don’t talk to me like I’m an idiot. I am an upstanding member of my community.’ Gerald’s cheeks flushed red with anger.

Barrett sat back in his chair, cocked his head slightly, and lifted the end of his navy tie, pretending to pick something off it. It was clear that Gerald was unnerved by the silence and he wriggled in his plastic seat, making it creak loudly.