DI Wynne put the phone down. It had rung out to voicemail but she didn’t want to leave a message. She preferred to hear people’s reactions. She doubted there was anything to learn in this case – the Westbrooks’ friend, Guy, was not a suspect – but you never knew.

She waited a few minutes then rang again. It was possible that he had seen the call but chosen not to answer it because he didn’t recognize the number. She’d give him another chance to pick up.

He answered on the second ring.

‘Guy Sanderson.’

‘Mr Sanderson, this is Detective Inspector Jane Wynne. We spoke yesterday.’

‘I remember. How can I help?’

‘This is part of our routine enquiries, Mr Sanderson, but we’d like a sample of your DNA.’

‘My DNA?’

Was that a slight hesitation before he answered? And a note of concern in his voice? It was hard to say, but she sat a bit more upright.

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘That’s right.’

‘Why my DNA, if I may ask?’ If there had been hesitation or concern, it was gone. ‘I’m happy to help, of course, but why would you want mine?’

‘Routine,’ Wynne said. ‘We take a sample from as many people as we can in cases like this, just in case anything turns up.’

‘Has something turned up?’ he asked.

‘I’m not at liberty to discuss details of the case, Mr—’

‘I’m a close friend of the family,’ Guy said.

‘I’m aware of that. But I’m afraid it doesn’t change anything.’

‘Very good.’ His tone was brisk. ‘How do I get you this sample? Send a few strands of my hair?’

‘No. We’ll make it as convenient as we can for you,’ Wynne said. ‘An officer will come and see you tomorrow. Will you be at your office?’

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘And I’ll make myself available.’

‘Thank you, Mr Sanderson,’ Wynne said. ‘We appreciate your cooperation.’

1

What the fuck is this? They don’t take everyone’s DNA on a whim. No, they do it if they have something to match.

Which is impossible. The cars are clean. I made sure of that. The van was harder. I spent more time in it, so it is conceivable there is DNA in that, which is why it is well hidden. They have not found it. It is not possible. They are too stupid.

Still, I will get the van tomorrow – as soon as they have my DNA – and make sure it is never found. A quarry, maybe, or the ocean. The bike is at the truck stop, so I will have to get up there another way, but I will figure it out.

It’ll be another long day.

And maybe unnecessary. Yes, they have something, but it is almost certainly not from me, so I can safely provide my DNA.

At least I think I can. I do have a way of finding out, though.