Damn. He’s innocent, Gillard thought. If that was the one book that predated his occupation it indicated the killing predated it too. That would explain why it was the only bloodstained book in his collection. If Cleaver had been guilty, and had known about the stain, he would have disposed of the book. If he was guilty and hadn’t known, there would be no reason to disclaim ownership of that particular book.

Despite Gillard’s change of heart, they still hadn’t put the main part of the evidence to Cleaver. Now was the time.

‘We have found extensive bloodstains in the back bedroom of your home,’ Gillard said. ‘Can you explain that?’

Cleaver’s mouth hung open. ‘No,’ he answered eventually. ‘They must predate my arrival.’

For the next half an hour Gillard went over the details of Cleaver’s possessions, from the weight gear through to the bookcases, and got a reasonably consistent picture. The furniture was in before he rented the place, as were a few books. Everything else was his. He hadn’t redecorated, and there had been only a tatty piece of lino on the back bedroom floor when he took the tenancy. He’d replaced the lino with cheap carpet and turned the room into a gym.

‘Do you know who the previous tenant was?’ Gillard asked finally.

‘Sorry,’ Cleaver replied. ‘You’d have to ask Crystal or Rowena.’

Gillard drove Kirsty Mockett back to Mount Browne to grab a late breakfast. They had discussed the forensics in detail, and were on the final approach to Guildford when she sighed heavily and stared out of the window. ‘I hope Cleaver is innocent,’ she said.

‘Why is that?’ Gillard responded.

She laughed. ‘Because he is absolutely gorgeous. That wild rugged look. I like my criminals to be the usual ugly repulsive kind. I don’t like to be conflicted.’

‘Poldark with a dog collar, eh?’

‘Well, not exactly.’ She laughed.

‘Remind me not to invite you to any more interviews. Devils can look like angels, and vice versa. We’ve got to go on facts.’

Kirsty’s eyes slid sideways to Gillard. ‘He was very convincing. I think he is telling the truth.’

‘Charisma and self-confidence can carry us away,’ he said. ‘We have to stick to the evidence. There’s plenty of blood on the wall of his spare room. Still, as it happens, the facts seem to favour your prejudice. Not owning the one book that was bloodstained. That to me was a crucial element.’

‘I’m pleased about that.’

‘I shan’t mention any of this to Rob,’ Gillard said, looking across at her. Research Intelligence Officer Rob Townsend and Kirsty Mockett had been an item for well over a year.

‘Best if you don’t,’ she said, colouring slightly. ‘Especially as we broke up a week ago.’