‘We’ve already been away,’ said the inspector, thinking wistfully of the trip they’d taken to Cuba in May. It had been hotter there, but they’d been better prepared for it. Not like in Ireland, where people reacted with joyous wonderment to the first proper sunny day, but after two weeks of heat couldn’t understand how on earth anybody was supposed to live in such a climate, let alone work. ‘But you’re right. It’s too quiet. I think if Louise suggests one more time I paint our shed, I’ll bury her under it.’

‘What are they up to down there?’ Sean asked distractedly, perching on the edge of his chair to peer down the garden. Barely five minutes had passed and already he was uneasy about his wife.

Louise and June were kneeling beneath a late blooming Judas tree.

‘We’ll join them, shall we?’ Tom suggested, curious himself.

As the two men approached, they could hear June chattering excitedly. Louise leaned back on her heels and turned to face them, her face pale.

‘Oh, June,’ Sean said in dismay. ‘Look at your lovely hands. They’re all mucky. Come up to the house and we’ll wash them.’

‘I was just showing Louise the treasure,’ his wife protested.

Sean helped June up and guided her back to the conservatory, ignoring the items spread out on the grass beside the disturbed soil.

Tom raised a puzzled eyebrow.

‘She’s been burying cutlery,’ Louise said, gathering up the knives and forks.

Tom opened and closed his mouth, lost for words.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, jolting him back to reality.

‘D. I. Reynolds,’ he answered, without checking the number on his screen.

‘Tom? It’s me, Laura. Sorry, I know you’re off today, but a body has been found up in Glendalough. Myself and Ray are en route, but the buzz in headquarters is that it might be that girl who went missing last week in Meath. Early reports indicate it’s a young female.’

‘They’re sure it’s not suicide?’ the inspector asked, thinking of the lakes at the scenic mountain spot.

‘They’re adamant it’s not.’

‘Ask Willie Callaghan to collect me, will you, Laura? Tell him I’m at Sean McGuinness’ house. I’ll be with you as soon as I can.’

‘Sorry,’ he said, helping Louise to a standing position. ‘Willie will pick me up, so you can take the car home at least.’

‘Can’t be helped. I’ll stay with them for a while. Get a wash on for Sean and tidy a bit.’

‘You’re an angel.’ Tom kissed her cheek tenderly.

Sean had been right about the peace not lasting.

But just how badly was it about to be shattered?

CHAPTER 2