‘I don’t have to tell you people that tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Let’s work hard to focus on the case. We’re closing in on our perpetrator. Let’s not let him slip through the cracks. We have three families desperate for answers and justice. Let’s deliver it to them.’

Around the room people nodded and returned to their desks as Barrett approached Palmer. ‘Joe, we need to speak to Mrs Wade. Can I leave that with you?’

‘I’m already on the case, sir.’ Palmer saluted. ‘She’s gone to her sister’s in Somerset but I’ve scheduled a call for later this morning.’

‘Good work. I’m waiting on the post-mortem results from the coroner to come in.’ Barrett checked his watch impatiently. ‘We’ve made good progress. Let’s keep it up.’

Chapter 25

11.30am Sunday 23rd December

Veronica sat on the edge of her bed waiting for the phone to ring. She’d been about to go to church with her sister when Palmer had called to say he needed to ask a few questions. She explained it was a bad time and that she would have to talk to him later. He agreed to call her back after she’d returned from the service.

The spare room at Francesca’s house was small. It had once been Natalie’s bedroom, but all the posters and her personal belongings had been boxed. The single bed was now made with a floral quilt and the curtains had been replaced to match. Apart from a chair in the corner and a single wardrobe the room was rather bare and unwelcoming.

At 11.37am Veronica’s mobile phone rang and she answered almost immediately.

‘Mrs Wade,’ DI Palmer’s calming voice travelled down the line, ‘sorry for interrupting earlier. Thank you for agreeing to speak to me now.’

‘Have there been any developments?’ Her head had been going around in circles ever since he’d first called.

‘Actually, there have. I’m sorry to tell you there has been a third victim.’

Veronica hung her head and closed her eyes.

‘This information has not been released to the general public yet, but his name was Eddie Kilpatrick. Does that mean anything to you?’

Veronica’s eyes sprang open and she nearly fell off the bed.

‘I’ve not heard that name in a very long time.’ She felt her stomach turn. ‘Yes, he was a member of the golf club Dennis played at in the spring and summer months. They used to play together quite regularly but then Eddie left the club and I’d not heard Dennis mention him since.’

‘What about the name Wendy Connor?’

‘You mean Matlock?’

‘No, I mean Connor. Matlock was her marital name.’

‘No, that’s not familiar.’ Veronica shook her head with certainty.

‘Did you ever meet Eddie Kilpatrick?’ Palmer asked with interest.