‘I’m going to take Cookie over to Peggy’s house. The taxi should be here soon.’ She held the cat in her right hand and picked up a bag with a litter tray, a bowl and cat food with her left. She nuzzled her face into Cookie’s fur while the feline purred loudly, her tears soaking into the hairs. ‘It’s time to say goodbye.’

Chapter 22

3.45pm Sunday 22nd December

When Barrett and Palmer arrived outside the Kilpatrick residence in Fulbourn the sky above was angry. Dark storm clouds had gathered above and the birds were flying in all directions warning of the downpour to come.

Palmer pulled his collar up as Barrett knocked on the front door impatiently, which Palmer struggled to understand given that they were there to deliver distressing news.

‘Hello?’ Susan Kilpatrick peered through a crack in the door.

‘DCI Barrett.’ He held his badge up.

‘Come in,’ she said apologetically and stepped aside.

‘Thank you.’ Palmer smiled politely. ‘Would you like us to take our shoes off?’ he asked noticing she was wearing slippers.

‘If you don’t mind.’ Everything she said was tinged with embarrassment and concern.

‘Of course,’ Palmer said slipping his brogues off his feet. Barrett followed suit having already trampled slush into the carpet in the hallway.

‘Please come through.’ Susan led them into the kitchen. As they passed the living room both inspectors noticed the television was on and a young woman sat curled up on a sofa. She didn’t acknowledge the police and seemed to be in a world of her own.

‘My daughter,’ Susan explained shutting the kitchen door so that they wouldn’t be disturbed. ‘Is there any news?’

‘There has been a development,’ Barrett admitted before pausing. How was he going to tell this woman that her husband’s finger had been removed and sent to a local journalist?

‘I think it would be best if you took a seat,’ Palmer said kindly, sitting down himself and leaving her no option.

‘What is it?’ she asked, her eyes wide and glassy.

‘Yesterday morning a package was delivered to the editor of the Cambridge News,’ Barrett said steadily.

‘Yes, I saw it on the news. The fingers in the box.’ Susan turned to Barrett not yet realising the link.

‘Two of the fingers belonged to the recent murder victims. The third…’ He cleared his throat wishing he had a glass of water. ‘We’ve matched to your husband.’

Susan sat still, blinking and looking from Palmer to Barrett.

‘Eddie?’ The words came out in a half whisper.

‘The DNA matches the DNA from the toothbrush you gave us.’

‘Eddie?’ she said again in the same high pitch.

‘Yes. We are extremely concerned for his safety.’ Palmer lent forward.

‘Eddie’s finger,’ she said to herself trying to process the information.