‘I’ve been hoping to catch you, Detective Walker,’ the priest said. ‘I think we need to talk.’

James guessed what was on the priest’s mind. He’d want to know if there was a link between the body and the card delivered to the church.

Before engaging him in conversation, though, James made sure there was no one else close enough to hear them.

Father Silver’s face was pinched and solemn. He was no longer wearing the Santa Claus hat and his scalp was shiny beneath what little hair he had.

‘How much do you know, Father?’ James asked him without preamble.

‘I know that a body has been found in the field on the other side of the footbridge,’ the priest replied. ‘According to rumours that are already circulating, it’s a man and he was murdered. I heard what the woman who came across him said about the blood. Now I want you to tell me if you think it’s got anything to do with the cards we received.’

‘It’s too early to know for sure, but I very much doubt it,’ James said. ‘You haven’t told anyone about the messages, have you?’

‘Of course not. You asked me not to and I completely understand why. But I would like to know who the victim is. You were seen going into The White Hart just now, so it’s got people wondering if it’s Mr Jenkins.’

‘It is,’ James said. ‘I’ve just informed his wife and she’s naturally very distraught. He was out walking his dog when it happened.’

The priest made the sign of the cross on his chest.

‘If it’s all right with you I’ll go and do my best to help comfort her,’ he said.

‘By all means. But be aware that she’s a suspect. If she says anything that makes you in the least bit suspicious, you must let me know.’

‘Of course, but I have to tell you, Detective Walker, that I’m not as confident as you are that this has nothing to do with the messages in the cards. It seems like too much of a coincidence.’

‘But coincidences do happen, Father,’ James said. ‘So why don’t you pray that what we’re dealing with here is exactly that.’

James carried on towards the footbridge and on the way he met Giles Keegan, who was heading back to the square.

‘There’s a uniform on the bridge now so I’m no longer needed,’ Keegan said. ‘But it was a good thing you asked me to go there when you did. I managed to stop two people venturing onto the field to have a look.’

‘Thanks for your help, Giles,’ James said.

‘You’re welcome. I had a brief chat with DS Stevens who, as you might know, I worked with for a time. I told him to call on me if he feels there’s anything more I can do to help. I hope that was okay.’

James experienced a jolt of irritation. He wanted to tell Keegan that he should have spoken to him first as he was the most senior officer, rather than the DS. But he held back and said, ‘Of course, Giles. You might be retired but you’re still one of us. Did you know Charlie well?’