‘Yes, I investigated the baby crying. Susan Pritchard was the woman who reported it. She was very upset, convinced a baby had been left in the woods. We took in sniffer dogs and at one point they picked up a scent, but then it disappeared up a tree, so we guessed it was squirrels. By coincidence I bumped into Miss Pritchard a few weeks ago in Merryless. She still walks her dog in the woods and believes it was a baby she heard, although she was kind enough to appreciate that we did all we could.’

Matt nodded. ‘I told Jan Hamlin if she had any more problems to call and I’d be straight over.’

Beth was about to reply when DS Bert Scrivener appeared at her side. ‘I need you two to go to Coleshaw Hospital. A body has disappeared from the maternity unit.’

‘You mean a baby, sir?’ Beth asked.

‘No, a body. Apparently, the baby was born dead yesterday, poor little mite, but now its body has gone missing. The parents are understandably upset. The hospital will hold an inquiry, but the parents want the police involved. They are with the chief executive, Antony Bridges, now, and are refusing to leave until they’ve spoken to the police.’

‘Very good, sir, we’re on our way,’ Matt said, standing.

‘Then take yourselves home after,’ DS Scrivener said. ‘It’s nearly knocking-off time, so you don’t need to come back here.’

Twenty minutes later Beth and Matt arrived at Coleshaw Hospital and went to the main reception desk. ‘Detective Constables Beth Mayes and Matt Davis,’ Beth said as they showed their IDs. ‘I understand the CEO, Mr Antony Bridges, is expecting us.’

‘I’ll call his office and tell him you’re here,’ the receptionist said, and picked up her phone.

As they waited, Beth glanced along the corridor where a security guard was talking to an elderly couple who appeared to be asking for directions. The hospital was busy even at five o’clock.

‘Mr Bridges said please go up to his office,’ the receptionist said. ‘Take the lift to the third floor and his personal assistant will meet you there.’

‘Thank you.’

Matt and Beth went to the lift sited to the left of the main entrance and pressed the button for the third floor. A few moments later the lift doors opened and a young man greeted them. ‘Hello, I’m Donald, Mr Bridges’ personal assistant. Thank you for coming so quickly. It was getting a bit heated in there. One of our security guards is with them now.’

Beth and Matt followed the PA down the corridor where he knocked on a door bearing the name plate: Mr Antony Bridges, Chief Executive Officer. The door was opened from inside by a security guard.

‘The police are here,’ the PA said, leading the way in.