James slipped out of his coat and draped it over the nearest chair. Sonia watched him, a frown forming on her face.

‘So has something really bad happened?’ she said. ‘Or is it another case of a hiker getting lost on the fells? That’s usually why cop cars turn up here.’

James looked at her and couldn’t tell whether she was putting on an act or if she really didn’t know.

‘I’m afraid I have some bad news about your husband, Mrs Jenkins,’ he said.

‘Charlie! What’s he done now?’

James gestured towards one of the sofas.

‘I think we should sit down. What I’m about to—’

‘Just spit it out, Detective. Has my husband been involved in an accident or has he upset Janet Dyer again?’

An image of Charlie’s body lying in the snow resurfaced in James’s mind. He felt his insides clench up.

‘Your husband is dead, Mrs Jenkins,’ he said. ‘His body was found a short time ago in the field behind these buildings.’

At first she just stared at him, mouth open, forehead creased above raised eyebrows. Then she started shaking her head.

‘No, that can’t be right,’ she said, her voice cracking. ‘Please tell me it isn’t true.’

‘I wish I could, Mrs Jenkins, but I’ve seen your husband’s body myself and there’s no mistake.’

She seemed suddenly unsteady on her feet, so James held onto her arm and guided her to a chair. He sat down next to her and studied her expression. It didn’t appear that she was faking it. The shock seemed genuine.

‘I don’t understand,’ she said. ‘When did it happen? And how?’

‘The exact time of death has yet to be established,’ James said. ‘But it seems certain that he was killed late last night. When was the last time you saw him?’

Tears were clouding her eyes now and the words rasped in her throat as she spoke

‘After we closed up. It was almost midnight. We weren’t talking and I’d had a lot to drink so I went to bed. I heard Charlie say he was taking Daisy for a walk, which he does every night.’

‘And you didn’t hear him return?’

‘I crashed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. So no, I didn’t.’

‘I see. Well, we—’

‘What about Daisy?’ she cut in. ‘Our dog. Where is she?’

‘I was about to tell you, Mrs Jenkins,’ James said. ‘A Yorkshire Terrier was found close to Charlie’s body. I’m sorry to say she’s also dead, probably from the cold.’

A great sob escaped her, and suddenly her face was red and distorted.

‘I c-can’t believe this,’ she stammered. ‘It feels like I’m dreaming. That none of this is real.’

‘Is there someone I can contact who can come and be with you?’ James asked.

Sonia ignored the question and shot to her feet. ‘Take me to him,’ she blurted. ‘I need to see for myself. I can’t just take your word for it. What if it’s a mistake and he’s still alive?’