Matt smiled grimly. ‘At least that’s the reason for setting the fire by the coal shed. He wanted it to look like a serious attempt at burning the place down but not to cause any real damage. That’s been bugging me and Liz ever since we saw it.’

Sam left the room, shaking his head and muttering something about jigsaw pieces. He returned a few minutes later with a tray of hot drinks. ‘One thing still bothers me. As William said earlier, why did he store his contraband in the old mill, and not at his cottage?’

‘Damp. It was ruining his precious merchandise,’ said Swifty.

‘But surely the mill was as close to the water as his cottage?’ Will said.

‘Well, that’s what he told us, just damp.’

‘I think,’ said Matt slowly, ‘that he may have been right. That room was right up high in the body of the mill. There was a free flow of air and it was always dry. Plus, if anyone did decide to pay him a visit, the cottage was clean — with the exception of that computer. Which reminds me, how come your detectives didn’t pick up two telephone lines on his bill?’

‘Because the second line was ex-directory and listed under a different name — Mr I. Berridge.’ Swifty looked at his watch. ‘I’d better get off home. My wife will be worrying. I’ll call back tomorrow, and in the meantime, I hope you get some good news about Sophie. And get some kip, guys, especially you, Will, you still look like shit!’

Will thanked his friend for all his help. He walked with him to the door. ‘We still haven’t had our promised visit from your boss.’

‘He and DCI Anders were taking it in turns to terrorise Grove when I left, but if he said he’ll come tonight, then I’m sorry to say, he will. Perhaps you won’t get to bed so early after all.’

‘Until I get news about Sophie, I won’t be able to sleep anyway.’

Swifty nodded and grasped his arm. ‘She’ll be okay, Will. That Canadian doctor arrived earlier. They are pinning quite a lot of their hopes on him. She has the best around her, honestly.’

‘It’s the not knowing, Swifty. What happened to her? Why was she coming here? How will this affect her? Just how much is one little kid supposed to take? It was bad enough losing her mum and dad, but this? It beggars belief.’

‘Go on inside and try to relax. I’m sure it won’t be long before someone has some news for you, even if it is Fenner.’

Will grimaced. ‘I would even open my arms to him if it meant that I was getting some news.’