‘There are plenty of those around,’ James said. ‘These days every young villain seems to have one.’

He took down notes, and when the call ended, he passed on the information to the rest of the team. He then checked his watch and saw it was already 1 p.m.

He decided that it was time to go and ask Janet Dyer a few more questions. But just as he and DC Abbott were about to leave, one of the uniforms arrived with two carrier bags filled with sandwiches and other bits from the village store.

It put a smile on James’s face, and he told Abbott to get stuck in.

‘It might be the only chance we get to fill our bellies before dinner,’ he said.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

James hadn’t seen Janet Dyer since Sunday and her appearance had changed considerably. She wasn’t wearing make-up and looked at least five years older.

Her eyes were heavy and red from crying, and the skin of her face was greyer than he remembered.

When she opened the door to them, she was holding a glass in one hand that was half-filled with red wine.

‘Is this about Annie and Daniel Curtis?’ she asked. ‘Because if it is, I’ve already told her that I’m sorry for what happened. I made a mistake.’

‘It has nothing to do with that,’ James said, noting the frown on DC Abbott’s face. ‘But we do need to talk to you.’

‘You’d better come in then,’ Janet said.

She turned, and as they followed her through the house it seemed pretty obvious to James that she’d had a fair amount to drink.

In the kitchen the first thing she did was top up her glass with more wine.

‘I would ask you to join me,’ she said. ‘But since you’re on duty I’m guessing you’d just say no.’

‘And you’re absolutely right, Miss Dyer,’ James said. ‘May we sit down?’

‘Please do. And if you’re wondering why I’m on the booze so early it’s because it’s helping me to get through another fucking horrendous day. I’ve rowed with my ex again over the kids and, like everyone else in the village, I’m shit scared that I’m about to be murdered.’

She swallowed some more wine, the drink staining her lips. Then she dropped onto the chair facing the two detectives.

‘I suppose you want to ask me more questions about my relationship with Charlie,’ she said, slurring her words slightly. ‘I can’t tell you any more than I already have. I honestly haven’t held anything back. If his wife – or rather, his widow – is saying anything different, then she’s bloody well lying.’

‘This has nothing to do with what you and Charlie got up to,’ James said. ‘We’re here to ask you about the Christmas card you gave to Annie.’

She squinted at him through one eye. ‘What on earth for? It’s a lovely card.’

‘Indeed, it is, Miss Dyer. But cards with exactly the same design have been delivered to homes in the village. And they’ve contained vile and threatening messages.’