A single shot rang out, bringing Tom to an abrupt halt. The woods were filled with a deafening silence in its aftermath.

‘Who’s shot?’ he whispered frantically into his radio.

‘I’m fine,’ Bridget hissed back.

‘We’re all okay,’ Willie added.

Michael had turned his radio off. Tom waited to hear something from Ray, but there was nothing.

His heart pounding, he started to run again, ignoring the ache in his knees and the fire in his chest. He crossed the main trail and plunged into more woodland.

He could hear something between the trees ahead. Tom slowed down and concentrated on controlling his breathing. He trod more softly on the path as he neared the place he thought the sound had come from.

As he emerged from behind a large pine tree, he saw a figure huddled over a person lying on the ground.

He could hear a man’s voice. It was Ray. Tom lowered his weapon and jogged over.

Michael was down. He clutched his arm.

‘I don’t think he actually saw me,’ he winced, as Tom knelt beside him. ‘I think he must have heard something and got spooked and fired into the woods. I tried not to make any sound when the bullet hit. Go, I’m fine. It’s only my arm – probably just a flesh wound.’

Ray was itching to carry on, but reluctant to leave his colleague. Michael’s face was white from the pain and his breathing was ragged.

‘We need to tie something around the arm,’ Tom said. ‘Ray, give me your sweater.’

The detective pulled off his vest to remove the dark top.

‘You go,’ the inspector told him, taking the clothing. ‘I have this. I’ll be right behind you. Ray, don’t do anything stupid. He’s nervous and clearly trigger-happy. Stay hidden in the trees until you’ve a clear shot or I catch up with you.’

The inspector wanted to find Laura, but Michael was also a member of his team and he was wounded. He had a duty of care to ensure the man didn’t bleed out on the ground, alone.

Ray nodded distractedly and stood up to go.

‘Ray.’ Tom grabbed his arm. ‘I’m serious. If we find Laura and you get shot in the process … she’ll kill me.’

‘I won’t do anything stupid,’ his deputy said, before taking off at speed.

Tom tied the sweater around Michael’s arm.

‘You really are going through the mill in this investigation, aren’t you, son?’ he said, tightening the tourniquet. ‘First Fiona Holland’s fella thumping you and now this.’

‘I want a medal for bravery.’

Moments later, Bridget arrived.

‘Stay with him,’ the inspector instructed. ‘Keep him warm. I’ve radioed for an ambulance.’