In turn she called each of the people who had been working at the shop. Her conversation with most was brief and professional. She wasn’t a woman who believed it was right or proper to show your feelings publicly. And she had not been especially close to Dennis but, nonetheless, his murder was upsetting and disturbing.

After having spoken to the others, Jane dialled Steven Fisher’s number.

‘Hello?’ He sounded as if he’d just woken up.

‘Steven, it’s Jane.’ Her words were clipped. She couldn’t abide laziness. How on earth could he still be asleep at this time in the morning?

‘Jane, hi.’ He yawned.

‘I hope you’re well.’ Her mother had taught her that manners were everything.

‘Yes, can’t complain.’

‘Good, well, I’ve been thinking, and I think it would be a good idea if everyone who worked at Ashton’s arranged for a wreath to be laid at the bookshop, in memory of Dennis. I’ve spoken to everyone else and they are all on board. I wanted to get your approval and donation before I went ahead and ordered it.’

There was a brief silence.

‘Steven?’ She wondered if the line had cut out.

‘Yeah, sorry, just waking up,’ he crackled.

‘I see, well, yes, would you be interested in contributing?’

‘Sure, why not.’

‘Good, that’s excellent. We think that it should be simple. You know, white flowers, greenery, that sort of thing.’

‘It won’t last long in this weather. Maybe something other than flowers might work better.’

Jane did not appreciate anyone interfering with her plans, even if they did have a valid point. ‘I see. What would you suggest?’ She gripped the phone.

‘Dunno. Not really my sort of thing.’

‘Well, if you think flowers are a mistake, then it would be a wise idea if you had an alternative you could suggest.’

‘Do whatever, Jane.’ Steven sighed deeply. ‘It was just a passing comment.’

‘I shall give it some thought,’ Jane said, knowing that she wouldn’t.

‘Okay.’

‘Have you seen the latest reports on the case?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘The second murder.’ Jane could feel the excitement creeping into her voice.

‘Oh, you mean that woman?’ There was no thrill in Steven’s voice.

‘Yes. Terrible.’ Jane was disappointed he seemed so uninterested.

‘Sure. Not a nice way to go.’

‘Certainly not!’

‘Seems like the police are going around in circles, though,’ he drawled.

‘Why do you say that?’

‘Dunno. Just they don’t seem to be getting very far, do they?’

‘I don’t suppose we are meant to know how the investigation is going. Not the sort of thing they are likely to share.’

‘Guess not.’

‘Did you speak to them?’

‘Yeah I did. Had an interview at the station.’