There were numerous scenarios to consider, but James was convinced that the initial focus should be on the wife.

‘We’ll go and have another chat with Sonia Jenkins,’ he said. ‘And this time, we’ll also sift through Charlie’s belongings and get a sample of Sonia’s handwriting to compare with the message in the Christmas cards.’

He told the inspector to call him immediately if his officers turned up anything interesting.

The detectives then walked out of the village hall to find a young man waiting for them.

Stevens reacted by reeling off a bunch of expletives under his breath.

Then he said, ‘I might have known that you’d be the first of the vultures to turn up.’

A tight smile twisted on the man’s lips.

‘And it’s good to see you too, DS Stevens.’ Turning to James, the man went on: ‘And you must be Detective Inspector Walker. I understand you’re in charge.’

‘I am,’ James said. ‘Who are you?’

‘The name’s Gordon Carver. I’m a reporter with the Cumbria Gazette, based in Kendal, but I live here in Kirkby Abbey. I also freelance for the nationals and they’re all eager for information on the murder.’

Carver looked to be in his late twenties. He was of medium height with sharp features and reddish hair cropped close to his scalp. He was wearing a knee-length overcoat and clutching a notebook and pen.

‘You need to contact the press office,’ James said. ‘I’m sure they’re about to release a statement.’

‘All they’re saying is that you’re investigating a suspicious death,’ Carver said. ‘I already know much more than that.’

‘Exactly what do you know?’ Stevens asked him.

Carver read from his notes. ‘The victim is pub landlord Charlie Jenkins, who I knew reasonably well. He was found dead with stab wounds in the field on the other side of the stream. It’s believed it happened during the night while he was walking his dog, Daisy, who was also found dead.’

‘Where did you get that information?’ James said, without trying to conceal his irritation.

‘It’s all over the village already,’ Carver said. ‘This is the sort of place where news spreads quickly, Detective Inspector. I just need you to confirm it all and tell me if you’ve got any idea who did it.’

‘Look, Mr Carver, you really need to bear with us on this,’ James said. ‘The body was discovered less than three hours ago, and I’m surprised you know as much as you do. We’re still trying to pull the facts together ourselves and it’s taking time. But you can quote me as saying that an investigation has indeed been launched and we’d like to hear from anyone who might have information pertaining to what I’d describe as a brutal crime.’

Carver started making notes as James continued.

‘I would ask you not to approach Mrs Jenkins at this time for obvious reasons,’ he said. ‘The news came as a terrible shock to her and she’s naturally very distressed. And for the record we have no suspects at this early stage.’