It wasn’t enough to stop him feeling a little homesick, though. And it wasn’t just the job in the Met that he missed. It was the vibrancy of the city, the fact that shops were open 24/7, and that virtually every member of his close-knit family lived only a short drive away.

But he accepted that he was going to have to get used to this new life, if only for a short time. Keeping Annie safe was his main priority and it always would be.

There were between seventy and a hundred people in the square by the time they got there. According to Annie, that was many more than had shown up in previous years. They were gathered on one side of the Christmas tree waiting for Father Silver to get things going.

He had entered the spirit of the occasion by wearing a Santa Claus hat that was in striking contrast to his black overcoat and gloves. James suspected that he was the reason for the high turn-out. The priest was a popular figure in the village and had organised the carol singing for years. But sadly, this was likely going to be the last time due to his illness. There was no doubting he would be missed, along with his church, which had for so long been a focal point for the community.

But as he waved and smiled at the people who had turned up, it was clear that he wasn’t going to let his illness cast a shadow over the event.

James and Annie took up position at the back of the crowd and were handed leaflets with the order of service and lyrics. The first carol was going to be Joy to the World followed by O Come All Ye Faithful.

As the singing was about to begin there was still no sign of Bill. Annie tried to call him but it seemed his phone was switched off.

‘Don’t worry about it,’ James told her. ‘He’s probably on his way or somewhere in the crowd.’

On the dot of ten Father Silver began to speak. He welcomed everyone and said that he was delighted to see that so many people had turned up for what promised to be a memorable occasion.

Before he could burst into song, however, someone started screaming. All eyes moved from Father Silver to a woman who was running towards them along the pavement. It was clear from the terrified look on her face that something very bad had happened.

James didn’t recognise the woman. She was wearing hiking boots and had a rucksack strapped to her back.

She stopped screaming as she approached the crowd and started to shout hysterically.

‘There’s a body in the field. And lots of blood. Someone needs to call the police.’

James moved like a greyhound out of the traps. He reached the woman just as she entered the square and was already holding up his warrant card.

‘I’m Detective Inspector James Walker,’ he said. ‘Please calm down and talk to me. Are you by yourself?’