Twenty-five minutes later they were standing outside 79 Bridewell Road in Fulbourn. Through the window they could see the Christmas tree lights glowing. On the front door hung an artificial ivy wreath adorned with fake red berries.

Palmer took a deep breath before knocking on the door. The cold air filled his lungs making them ache for a moment.

Marie answered the door. She was now wearing a pair of checked green flannel pyjamas. She looked like a great big kid and it was endearing.

‘Can we come in?’ Palmer said as she stood looking at them.

‘Is it the diaries? Have you found something?’

‘It would be better if we could do this indoors,’ Barrett suggested, but Marie stood in the doorway blocking their path; she knew they were not bringing good news.

‘Okay.’ She finally moved aside and let the officers in.

Without having to ask, Palmer and Barrett both slipped their shoes off before following her into the living room.

Slouched on the sofa was Susan, cradling a glass of dark liquor. ‘I wasn’t expecting guests.’ Susan sat up, half slurring.

‘She’s had a few.’ Marie nodded at the bottle of Tia Maria on the table. ‘I thought it would help her sleep.’

‘Sorry for disturbing you again,’ Palmer apologised looking at Barrett – wanting him to take the lead.

‘What it is?’ Susan’s eyes were not focusing on any of their faces.

‘Earlier this evening…’ Barrett stepped forward. ‘We received a call reporting a body.’

Marie held her breath, knowing what was coming but not wanting to hear it.

‘I’m afraid the body belonged to Mr Kilpatrick,’ Barrett said staring at the pile of presents already placed under the Christmas tree. He wondered how many of them were meant for a man who would never open them.

‘No.’ Susan blinked. ‘No. You’re wrong.’

Marie collapsed onto the sofa next to her mother and hugged her, burying her face in her shoulder to hide the tears.

‘You’re wrong,’ Susan said again.

‘I’m really sorry, Mrs Kilpatrick, but we’ve formally identified the victim as your husband. We are very sorry for your loss.’

‘I’m Julie,’ said the family liaison officer who bent down on her haunches. ‘I’m here to help you.’ Her face was kind and she looked older than she was. Dealing with victim’s families time and time again had taken its toll on her and the crow’s feet around her eyes were deep set.

Susan stared blankly at her as Marie’s sobs grew louder and she began repeating the word ‘Dad’ over and over again.

‘What happened to him?’ Susan finally managed to ask.

‘He was murdered.’ Barrett delivered the next blow.

‘Where is he?’ Marie asked looking up at last.

‘The body was discovered outside of Burwell by a fishing lake. Does that mean anything to you?’

Both women shook their heads in tandem.