Their blue light got them closer to the scene than most of the rubbernecks and they immediately saw the Lexus on its side on the verge, a Peugeot half underneath it, and a Mini squashed into the other side of the Peugeot. All three cars would almost certainly be write-offs. Alex waved his ID to gain access to the scene and asked a paramedic about casualties.

‘We’ve sent four off to A & E so far, a few broken bones and possible concussion. The driver of the Mini’s still trapped inside, the fire crew are working on it now – and there’s a couple of walking wounded over there. Lucky bastards, this could have been so much worse. I’m amazed there are no fatalities.’

‘What about the couple in the Lexus?’

‘Ah, they were both unconscious when we got here. It looks like their car caused the pile-up but they’ve got away pretty lightly. They’ve gone in the first ambulance to casualty.’ The paramedic turned back to his vehicle.

‘I don’t need to ask where we’re going.’ Graham hurried to keep up with the DI who was running back to his car.

‘Let’s get to the hospital and make sure they don’t walk. After all this carry-on we can’t lose them now.’ Alex put the blue light on and his foot down to get to Bristol Infirmary as quickly as possible.

The emergency department was buzzing with activity when the detectives arrived, and they were kept waiting for several minutes before a doctor was free to speak to them. The young man, who introduced himself as the duty doctor, appeared to Radford as if he hadn’t started shaving yet, never mind being old enough to qualify as a doctor. He informed the detectives that the young woman from the road-traffic accident was waiting to go to X-ray and the man was already being prepped for surgery. His leg was severely crushed and needed setting under anaesthetic. The intention was to keep them both at least overnight, possibly longer for the man.

Alex Radford explained the situation and told the doctor he’d be arresting the pair on very serious charges, and they’d be leaving officers at the hospital to ensure they did not escape. Alex and Graham then went to speak to Serena. Pete Turner would have to wait until he was out of theatre but it sounded as if he wouldn’t be walking anywhere for a good while.

Serena was sitting in a wheelchair in the corner of a small square room, where the only thing which afforded her a degree of privacy was a curtain hanging loosely on its frame. She was gazing in the direction of the window and Alex wondered if she was thinking about freedom – something which would be denied her for quite a while.