‘Well,’ Gaby said, ‘if you must know he asked why I’d taken the pills. And I said I didn’t think I had really. That I must have been distracted, not thinking. It’s been such a strain – the past week. I said to David I must have taken them by accident. But I really don’t remember.’

‘And is that all you spoke about?’

There was a pause then Gaby said, ‘I think I mentioned the cottage. The one at Hazelton.’

‘You spoke about the cottage?’

‘Yes. I still have my things there. I said to David I’d have to get a car, or a taxi. Pick them up, you know?’

Clare’s mind was racing. Was there some connection with this conversation and David’s sudden departure? Or was she looking for something that wasn’t there? They had Mark Mooney in custody after all, and Doug Gerrard wouldn’t be far behind once he’d been interviewed.

‘Anything else, Gaby?’

‘No, I don’t think so. After we spoke about the cottage David said he had a few things to do but he’d be back. Then I said I’d be discharged soon and he said he’d call me.’

Clare thanked Gaby and asked her to hand the phone back to Mandy.

‘Hi boss.’

‘Listen, Mandy, I’m not sure what’s going on but I don’t want Gaby to leave the hospital. I’m sending Gary up to join you. But do not let her leave. Okay?’

Clare ended the call and sought out Gary. ‘Get yourself up to Ninewells Hospital and find Mandy. She’s outside Gaby Fox’s hospital room. Gaby is not to leave until you hear from either me or Chris. Okay?’

As Gary left the station Clare heard Chris shout.

‘Car hire company called.’

‘Luke’s car?’

‘Yeah.’ He walked into the incident room, Clare following. He went to a map on the wall. ‘He’s about half an hour away from here. Just gone through a village called Gauldry.’

‘Rings a bell,’ Clare said.

Chris jabbed the map with his finger. ‘That’s the back road to Hazelton Walls.’ He turned to face Clare. ‘He’s heading back to the cottage.’

‘Where he’ll expect to find his wife dead from an overdose,’ Clare said. ‘And I’d bet my pension the same thing has occurred to David Fox.’ She turned towards her office. ‘I’ll get my jacket. Grab a car and I’ll be out in a minute.’

Clare jumped into the car, Janey and Bill rushing after her to take another vehicle. As soon as she’d closed the door Chris sped off.

‘How long till we’re there?’ she asked, tugging on her seatbelt.

‘Too long,’ he said. ‘Luke’ll get there first.’

‘And David Fox is probably waiting for him.’

Chris pressed his foot down and the car lurched forward, siren wailing.