‘No, the blanket was pulled right up over its face, which struck me as odd. I mean, I wondered if it could breathe. From the way she was carrying the Moses basket – careful, like – I’m sure there was a baby in it. Then she spent some time strapping the basket into the back of her car. If it was empty you wouldn’t bother, would you? Then, about two hours later, I saw her return without the baby or the basket. She was in their house for an hour. I think she’s a nurse or midwife.’

‘What makes you say that?’ Beth asked.

‘When she left the second time she was carrying a black bag like midwives use and an oxygen cylinder.’

‘Perhaps Ian or Emma has a lung condition,’ Beth suggested.

‘Not when I used to talk to them. They were both very healthy. I remember Emma telling me she couldn’t understand why she’d had such a damaged baby the first time as she was fit and well, and had done everything right, like taking iron tablets and not drinking alcohol. I told her sometimes these things happen and it wasn’t her fault.’

‘No, quite. When was the last time you saw them?’

‘I haven’t seen her this week, but he has been in and out a couple of times, carrying shopping.’

‘Can you give me a description of the woman you saw leaving their house with the Moses basket?’ Beth asked.

‘She was around fifty, I guess. About five foot six inches tall, dark, chin-length hair, a bit on the dumpy side, like she could do with losing a few pounds.’

‘And the car?’ Beth asked as she wrote. ‘Can you give me a description of that?’

‘It was a grey Vauxhall Corsa. The only reason I know the make and model is because my sister has one the same. I didn’t get the registration, but if I see it again, I’ll make a note and call you.’

‘Thank you, that would be helpful.’

‘You’re welcome,’ Mrs Slater said. ‘I mean, you hear of such strange things happening. I wondered if they’d sold their baby or maybe she was a surrogate mother. But that didn’t seem to add up as she wanted the baby. They’d even chosen a name for it, David.’

‘I suppose it could be ill and in hospital,’ Beth suggested.

‘I wondered that, but wouldn’t the parents be with their baby if it was sick? I’m sure Emma’s at home, and he’s certainly in and out. Parents who have a sick baby usually stay with them in hospital. I know I did with mine. I never left her side.’ Which Beth supposed was true.

‘I’ll look into it, thank you. You’ve been most helpful.’

‘Will you be visiting them?’ Mrs Slater asked.

‘Yes.’

‘What time? I’ll arrange to be at home in case you need me.’