‘What about in his professional life?’ Dudek said.

‘Same,’ Mike said. ‘It’s possible he had a problem with someone, but he never mentioned it.’

‘How about your sister,’ Wynne said. ‘Was there anyone who had a reason to dislike her?’

Mike held his hands up. ‘No. I mean, she had friends who she was closer to, but no one with this kind of hatred towards her.’

‘Can you think of anyone who she had a problem with, however minor?’

‘She never mentioned anyone.’

‘Any arguments with Matt, over the years?’ Dudek said.

‘Small ones. But no, nothing substantial.’

‘His family?’

‘His parents died a few years back, and Annabelle and Tessa are fine.’

Wynne paused. There was something out of place about what he had said.

‘Fine?’ she said. ‘Or friends?’

‘Friends,’ Mike said, after a moment’s hesitation. ‘Now.’

‘Not at the start?’ Wynne said.

‘They had a rocky patch,’ Mike said. ‘But that was years ago. And it wasn’t really about Tessa at all. She was friends with Matt’s ex-girlfriend. There was a bit of drama there, but it all blew over.’

‘Who was the ex-girlfriend?’ Dudek said.

‘I don’t remember her name now.’

‘Do you remember what the drama was about?’ Wynne said.

‘I’m afraid I don’t.’ He pursed his lips. ‘Although I do remember her showing up at Norman’s christening. She was pretty wild, actually. But you’d have to ask Tessa for details.’

‘We will,’ Wynne said. ‘Thank you, Mr Anderson.’

2

‘Where could we contact Tessa?’ Wynne asked.

‘She’s at the hospital now. She’s a doctor.’

‘Could we have her number?’ Dudek said.

‘Of course.’ Mike dug his phone out of his jeans pocket. ‘She works in A and E, so she doesn’t always answer. I think she’s busy today. There was an accident on the motorway so they’re all hands on deck. That’s why she’s not here.’

‘There was an accident?’ Wynne said. ‘I didn’t hear about anything.’

Mike shrugged. ‘That’s what she said.’

‘I’ll check,’ Wynne said. She glanced at Dudek. ‘In the meantime, we’d like to speak to her. Urgently.’

‘You don’t think she has something to do with this?’ Mike said. ‘That’s ridiculous.’

‘I don’t think anything, Mr Anderson. I just ask questions.’

‘OK. I’ll let her know.’

He held the phone to his ear.

‘Voicemail,’ he said.

He left a message telling her it was important and asking her to call him back as soon as possible.

Wynne turned to Dudek. ‘Mr Westbrook may be able to tell us something about his ex-girlfriend,’ she said. ‘Would you ask him to come in?’

Matt

Matt sat in the armchair. It was still warm from Mike; he was in the kitchen with the kids.