‘We – I included – will do whatever we can to help. Matt is a deeply valued colleague and an even more deeply valued friend. But I have to say that I don’t expect you’ll find what you are looking for in his professional life. I can’t imagine how he would have hidden something of this magnitude.’

‘You’d be surprised what people can hide,’ Wynne said. ‘For years. Decades. It used to surprise me. But not any more.’

‘I suppose you have more experience in this arena than I do,’ Cobb said. ‘But please. Ask whatever you want, of whomever you want. We are at your disposal.’

‘Thank you,’ Wynne said. ‘We appreciate it.’

2

Valerie Cobb was right. Wynne and Dudek talked to a procession of Matt Westbrook’s colleagues and they all told the same story. He was kind and honest and well-liked, and none of them had any idea who would have anything serious against him, let alone something that could provide a motive for anyone to kidnap his wife.

They left in Dudek’s Astra. He sucked his top lip.

‘Nothing there,’ he said.

‘Nothing anywhere,’ Wynne said. ‘I’m going to call Sanderson. The agent.’

She dialled the number Matt had given her.

‘Hello. Guy Sanderson.’

‘Hello, Mr Sanderson. My name is Detective Inspector Jane Wynne. I’m working on the Annabelle Westbrook case. Would you be available to answer questions?’

‘Of course. I was thinking you’d call. Matt mentioned you wanted to talk to me. That’s why I answered, actually. Normally I don’t pick up if it’s a number I don’t recognize. And you can ask me whatever you like.’

Wynne winced. She wished Matt Westbrook hadn’t said anything. Even when the person she was talking to was not a suspect she didn’t like them to have time to prepare.

‘Thank you. I understand you are Mrs Westbrook’s agent? But you have known her since you were at university?’

‘Longer. I met Matt at university – Birmingham, in 2004 – but I’d known Annabelle since I moved to Richmond – the one in Yorkshire – when I was fourteen. We were at school together.’

‘Were you friends?’

‘Yes. Not super close. We became better friends at Birmingham.’

‘Why was that?’ Wynne said.

‘I don’t know. I think just because when we arrived we knew each other. We did quite different things, though.’

‘Like what?’

‘I was involved in theatre. She spent a lot of time with Matt.’

‘How would you characterize your relationship with Mr Westbrook?’ Wynne said.

‘We’re good friends. Very good friends. He’s one of the people I’m closest to.’

Wynne looked out of the window. It was starting to go dark. It was how she felt about the investigation.

‘I know this may be an awkward question …’ she said.

‘Go ahead,’ he said. ‘Ask me anything.’

‘Did you and Annabelle Westbrook ever have a romantic relationship?’