‘Well, he’s lying!’

‘No, Mr Jones, I don’t believe he is. I have to ask, were you the man in question?’

‘I met Toni after their marriage had ended, she was divorced by the time we met. It wasn’t me!’ Gerald looked deeply offended.

‘And you don’t know who it might have been?’ Palmer stood behind Barrett.

‘No idea. This is the first I’ve heard of it.’ Gerald put the photograph on the table, face down, and folded his arms. ‘Do you think it is somehow linked to her death?’

‘We are exploring all possibilities.’ Barrett’s frustration was tangible. ‘Is there anyone who might know who Toni had an affair with?’

‘Surely Mike knows,’ Gerald said huffily.

‘He doesn’t want to tell us at this time.’ Palmer stiffened.

‘Maybe speak to Kim Geller? Those two were as thick as thieves for a while, and she would have been at the book club.’ Palmer and Julie shared a look.

‘Do you have an address?’ Palmer removed a notebook from his trouser pocket.

‘Yes, she lives on Lynfield Lane. Number 5, I think.’

‘Thank you, Mr Jones.’

‘I can’t believe this is happening. It’s all wrong. I want my wife back.’ He put his head in his hands and began to sob. Julie approached and put her hand on his back.

‘We’ll leave you in peace,’ Barrett said, leaving the room, closely followed by Palmer. ‘I am very sorry for your loss.’

‘You drive.’ Barrett closed the front door behind him. ‘We’re going to Lynfield Lane.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Palmer took the keys from his pocket.

Ten minutes later they were north of the river, sitting outside Number 5, Lynfield Lane. The executive family house was in the Chesterton area of the city.

Barrett and Palmer approached the house and knocked on the door.

‘Hello?’ A tired looking man opened the door. ‘Can I help you?’

‘Good afternoon, I’m DCI Barrett and this is DI Palmer. We were hoping to speak to Kim Geller?’

‘I’m Pete, her husband. She’s not here.’ A toddler appeared at his feet and tried to get out of the house.

‘Can we come in, Mr Geller? We are investigating the murder of Toni Jones.’

‘Alright then.’ Pete scooped up the child and let the men in, guiding them into the living room, which was a mess of toys.

‘Have a seat, gents.’ Pete moved some building bricks off the sofa. ‘I’m just going to check on my girls. They’re playing in the garden. Back in a tick.’

Barrett sat awkwardly on the sofa, surrounded by the mess of everyday family life. Palmer could sense he felt uncomfortable and found it mildly amusing. His boss was a strange creature.

Pete reappeared and flopped down onto the other sofa, opposite Barrett.

‘I’m shattered,’ he admitted, wiping his brow. Barrett’s face remained expressionless.

‘Did you know Toni Jones?’ Palmer asked, wanting to fill the silence.