James and DC Abbott made two stops on the way to The King’s Head. The first was at the church, where James told Father Silver that a murder had indeed been committed. The priest reacted by dipping his head and giving the sign of the cross.

‘I will pray for him, Detective Walker,’ he said. ‘And I’ll pray that you quickly find whoever was responsible.’

James got Abbott to stop outside his own home next.

‘You wait here while I go and break the news to my wife,’ he said. ‘She knew Daniel Curtis and I don’t want her to hear it from anyone else.’

Annie was having breakfast in the kitchen when James entered.

‘What’s happened?’ she said. ‘I can tell by your face that it’s something bad.’

Her eyes bulged when he told her, and her body started to shake.

‘Over the years I learned to hate the man,’ she said. ‘But I would never have wished something like this on him. You have to stop this happening, James. It can’t go on.’

He wanted to stay with her but he said he couldn’t and she understood.

‘You just go out there and find the bastard who’s doing this,’ she said. ‘And don’t rest until you’ve got him.’

The King’s Head wasn’t yet open for business, but the landlady, Martha, was getting things ready for the lunchtime session, aided by two members of her staff.

She knew James, but was nevertheless obviously surprised to see him. He introduced DC Abbott and asked if they could ask her some questions.

Martha blinked warily, clearly nervous. ‘Please don’t tell me that something has happened to my husband. He’s supposed to be coming back from Manchester this morning and he’s not answering his phone. I’ve heard about the crash on the M6 and—’

‘This has nothing to do with your husband, Mrs Grooms,’ James said. ‘And I’m sure he’s fine. His phone is probably switched off or he’s driving and can’t answer it.’

She blew out a breath. ‘That’s a relief. Now, you can ask your questions here in the bar or we can go into the lounge area where it’s more comfortable.’

James opted for the lounge and seconds later the three of them were seated on sofas.

‘So how can I help you?’ Martha said.

James already had his notebook out and resting on his knee.

‘Firstly, were you working here in the bar last night?’ he asked her.

‘Yes, I was. And I was on my own because it was so quiet.’

‘It’s our understanding that Daniel Curtis was among your customers.’

‘That’s right. I served him myself. He got through about half a bottle of vodka, as I recall.’

‘And was he by himself?’

She nodded. ‘He sat at the table closest to the TV all evening. No one joined him, but then no one ever does when he comes in here.’

‘Is that because of his conviction in the past?’

‘Obviously. I know many villagers don’t think we should let him drink here, but my husband and I don’t believe it would be fair to stop him. It can sometimes cause friction, though. In fact, last night was a good example of how some people get wound up just being in the same room with him.’