But the way it had come out was a source of embarrassment for him, especially when he wasn’t able to answer the question, and could only warn Daniel not to approach Annie about it.

‘Two decades have passed since you and she were together,’ he’d said. ‘So take my advice and let it rest.’

Before going back to the patrol car, James asked DS Stevens if he’d mind keeping what had been said in the Curtis home to himself.

‘Of course, guv,’ he replied. ‘My lips are sealed. It’s a private matter and nothing to do with me.’

He didn’t know if he could trust Stevens – after all, they hadn’t been the best of mates since the move to Cumbria – but there wasn’t much he could do other than take him at his word. He had too much on his mind to worry about it.

But he was annoyed. It was as though his position as senior investigating officer was being compromised at every turn. First Annie’s Uncle Bill gets thrown into the mix, and now this link between his wife and another suspect.

As they headed towards the home of former detective Giles Keegan, James hoped that he wasn’t about to be hit for six by yet another unwelcome surprise.

Of all the houses James had visited during the past couple of days, Giles Keegan’s was by far the most impressive.

It was a detached converted barn, with stone walls and striking views of the dales from the back windows. James had driven past it many times without realising that it was where the ex-cop was enjoying his retirement from the force.

When the patrol car pulled up outside it was still snowing and the wind had strengthened, but before them was a picture postcard setting, with lights from the downstairs windows glowing in the dark and flakes of snow swirling and dancing all around them.

Keegan hadn’t been told they were coming so he was surprised to see them. And James was surprised that he appeared to be ready for bed even though it was not yet six o’clock. He was wearing a thick dressing gown and clutching a paperback book.

‘I was about to have a bath to try to take my mind off what’s happening,’ he said, a little flustered. ‘You should have let me know you were going to drop by.’

‘It wasn’t planned,’ James said. ‘But as you’re aware we’re now investigating a second murder and we’re hoping you can provide us with some information about the latest victim.’

‘You mean Lorna?’

James nodded. ‘You were seen socialising with her last week and it raises the question of whether or not you were in a relationship.’

His eyes widened. ‘Oh, I see. Well, that’s an easy one to answer. No, we were not in a relationship, but I wanted us to be. You’d better come in and let me explain.’

DS Stevens had already told James a few things about Keegan. He was a widower, his wife having died of cancer five years ago, and he had a son who was living in London. He had spent his entire career with the Cumbria Constabulary, working his way up from a PC to DCI.