‘Of course, hon. That won’t be a problem.’

James ate his toast while watching the news. They were running footage of the snow storm lashing parts of Scotland. Disruption to transport services was severe, and in some rural areas visibility was reduced to just a few yards. A map was then put up showing another fast-moving storm bearing down on England from the East. There were fears that it would dump up to nine inches of snow and bring with it winds of 70 mph or more.

James felt a stab of panic when he saw that Kirkby Abbey was among the villages and towns lying directly in its path.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

A group of about twenty people were gathered outside the village hall when James got there. They were facing two uniformed officers and a woman who, at first, James didn’t recognise because she was bundled up in a heavy coat, scarf and woollen hat.

As he got closer, he saw that she was Detective Constable Jessica Abbott, who was part of the team in Kendal. She was doing her best to mollify the group, who were demanding to know what the police were doing to protect them.

James didn’t need to be told that they were worried villagers, and as he approached, he heard one of them say, ‘Why are there so few coppers here? There’s a killer roaming these streets and we’re all shit scared.’

DC Abbott responded, her voice loud and confident. ‘Our officers have been patrolling the village throughout the night and as we investigate these appalling crimes, we’re doing everything we can to ensure that you’re all safe.’

She spotted James and her expression changed, prompting most of the group to turn towards him. He was recognised instantly, and suddenly became the focus of their attention.

‘You’re the detective we came here to see,’ one of the women called out. ‘So, tell us what’s going on and how worried we should be.’

Before James could reply, another question was thrown at him by a young man wearing a Puffa jacket. ‘On the news they’re saying that the person who committed the murders almost certainly lives in the village. If that’s true then I don’t intend to hang around. I’ve got a wife and two kids to watch out for.’

More questions were fired at James, but he didn’t say anything until he was standing next to DC Abbott.

‘What my colleague has just told you is the truth,’ he said. ‘We are working around the clock to solve these murders and to keep you all safe. I’m afraid we don’t know for sure if the person responsible lives here in Kirkby Abbey, or why Mr Jenkins and Miss Manning were targeted. But, obviously, everyone in the village needs to be vigilant and cautious.’ He pointed at the man in the Puffa jacket. ‘And if moving away temporarily will make you and your family feel more secure then you should do it, sir.’

James stood his ground and answered more questions. He had to explain why the police weren’t raiding every house in the village in their search for the killer, and why the inside of the village hall was out of bounds to the public. He was also asked how close they were to finding the perpetrator.