Chris nodded. ‘He shoots Russell then slips out of the house. Makes his way through the town, checking that Zac’s there, then heads back to the shelter.’

‘Oh, I forgot about Zac,’ Clare said. ‘You reckon David Fox set him up?’

Chris frowned. ‘I can’t see how he would know Zac, unless Val is involved. Remember her daughter was in a relationship with Zac’s son. Maybe the son messed her about, broke her heart – that sort of thing. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Val.’

Clare felt a sneeze coming on and reached for a tissue. Then she blew her nose and continued. ‘It could just be a coincidence. Zac unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.’

‘Yeah, you could be right. It’s not like Gaby and David need alibis, is it? One’s at a wedding, sitting at the same table as you and the DCI…’

‘And the other’s dead,’ Clare finished.

‘So we really need to find David Fox and Gaby.’

Chapter 38

‘Got the car,’ Nita said. ‘It’s at Hazelton Walls.’

Clare looked at Chris. ‘The cottage Luke and Gaby were staying at?’

‘Must be.’

‘So they’re back then.’

‘Well, the car is.’

Clare frowned. ‘Where is Hazelton anyway?’

‘North of Cupar,’ Nita said. She took out her phone and navigated to Google maps. ‘It’s not actually a village. Just a few houses along a country road.’

‘Right,’ Clare said. ‘Nita, take Gary. Chris and I will follow you. Janey, grab someone and bring another car. Blues and twos until we’re two miles away then complete silence.’

They rushed out to the cars. ‘I’ll drive,’ Chris said and Clare nodded. Her head still felt thick and she didn’t fancy driving through Fife at speed.

Nita took them through Guardbridge, turning right for Leuchars. Traffic slowed in every direction, leaving the way clear for them. As they passed St Michael’s crossroads Nita’s car began indicating left and Chris followed her onto a side road.

‘Shortcut to the A92,’ he said as Clare put out a hand to steady herself. A few miles on they passed Rathillet, a small collection of houses. Nita switched off the blue lights and Chris did likewise. Shortly afterwards she indicated to turn right and a sign marked Hazelton came into view. The road narrowed and Nita slowed as they drove past a farm and on through a succession of blind bends. Then the road began to rise up and the trees gave way to a long beech hedge on either side.

‘Crossroads up here, I think,’ Chris said.

As if on cue, Nita’s brake lights came on and she indicated left, pulling into the verge. Clare and Chris did likewise with Janey following behind. Nita got out of her car and Clare jumped out to speak to her.