‘And what did you see?’ James asked her.

‘Like I told the officer I spoke to on the phone, I watched a police car coming along the street. At the same time, I happened to spot a man across the road walking towards it. As it got closer, he darted into the estate agent opposite and flattened himself against the window. Once the police car drove past he stepped out again and carried on walking. And that’s when I recognised him as Peter King, who owns the general store in the village.’

‘And you’re sure it was him?’

‘Oh, absolutely. I’ve known him for years, but he doesn’t live in this part of the village and what he did struck me as odd, suspicious even. I couldn’t make up my mind whether to tell you so I slept on it and when I watched the news again this morning, I realised that I ought to.’

‘I’m glad that you did, Miss Palmer,’ James said. ‘We’ll go and have a word with Mr King. I’m sure there’s an innocent explanation for his behaviour. And in the meantime, can I ask you to keep this to yourself?’

‘You have my word, Detective,’ she said. ‘But I do hope you’re right. Peter and his wife are such nice people. I can’t imagine why he found it necessary to hide from the police.’

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Peter King was alone in his store when the two detectives got there. He was reading a newspaper that was spread out on the counter.

‘I’m guessing it’s been a quiet day so far,’ James said when they approached him.

King looked up and nodded. ‘Indeed it has, Detective Walker. I’ve served only six customers. You would never guess it’s Christmas.’

James introduced DC Abbott and explained that she was part of the team investigating the murders.

‘It’s such a terrible business,’ King said. ‘Lorna Manning came in here most mornings on her way to the school. I can’t believe I won’t see her and Charlie again.’

‘Did you know them well?’

‘Reasonably so. I’d chat with Lorna when she popped in and I’ve always been a regular at The White Hart.’

‘Can you think of a reason why anyone would want to kill them?’

‘Definitely not. That’s what’s so weird about it. And why everyone in the village is so nervous. Most are afraid to go out, especially after dark.’

James nodded. ‘That strikes me as sensible. It’s actually the reason we’ve come here to speak to you, Mr King.’

‘Really? Why?’

‘Well, we’ve discovered that you were one of several people who were walking around in the village late last night. And as part of our investigation we need you to account for your movements.’

The blood retreated from King’s face and he ran a tongue over his lips before responding.

‘What makes you believe that I was out last night?’ he said.

‘Are you going to tell us that you weren’t?’ James asked him.

King swallowed a lump. ‘Not at all. I, er, went for a walk, because I felt I needed some exercise before going to bed.’