Healy’s tone was relaxed, but Tom could see he was on the defensive. They’d caught up with the sergeant in the village near the Hollands’ house, after a fruitless trip to Trim garda station.

‘He’s a bit of a simpleton, Vincent. I checked him out when I moved to the area, ticked all the boxes in that regard. There’s no real harm in him.’

‘No real harm?’ Ray parroted. ‘The man was prosecuted for attempted rape!’

The sergeant flushed.

‘When you meet him, you’ll see what I mean. He’s not all there. That attempted rape charge – he wouldn’t have understood that what he was doing was wrong. There’d have been no real intent. That’s all I’m getting at.’

The inspector observed Healy coolly.

‘Nevertheless, you should have told us he lives in the vicinity. It wouldn’t be the first time a known sex offender had gone further than his priors.’

‘Look, I know that. But, come on, he’s not a serial killer. Vincent Carney has the IQ of a child. He’s not traipsing around the country luring women to their deaths. If Vincent was holding a woman in his house against her will, he wouldn’t have the good sense not to broadcast it.’

‘Firstly, as you must be aware, Fiona’s case might not be connected to the serial killer,’ Tom spelled out. ‘This Carney chap could have tried something on with her and got a bit carried away. He had a go before, so why not again? Secondly, has it ever occurred to you that the simpleton thing might be an act?’

The sergeant’s face reflected how incredible he considered the latter suggestion, but Tom could see a hint of something in his eyes – doubt had crept in.

‘Anyhow, we’ll be heading to see him later,’ he said.

‘Why don’t I come along?’

Tom shook his head.

‘No, thank you. I think it’s better if he realises how serious this is and two strangers are more likely to make that point.’

They left the village. A black plume of smoke billowed in Healy’s direction as he stood in the soft rain, observing their departure.

‘Something’s not right there,’ Ray said.

‘With Healy?’

‘Yeah. And with your car.’

‘I keep telling you. It’s diesel engines.’

Ray snorted and closed his eyes. He was still playing catch-up with sleep.

After a quick stop at the Holland home, Tom and Ray were back on the road to the family’s landscaping business. Fergus was there, according to his mother, keeping everything going while she and her husband concentrated on finding Fiona.

They’d heard of Vincent Carney but claimed to have no knowledge of his supposed attack on Fiona the previous year.