‘I realise that, Bryn, but do you mind if we take a look around? There might be something. Someone has expended a terrific amount of energy doing all this — he could have dropped something or left some nice clear footprints. Liz and I are treating this as a private investigation. Not that we’ll be charging Mrs Swain.’

‘Be my guest, sir. I’ll even leave you some evidence bags. Just in case. And if you are as successful with this as you were with your first private case, we’ll be slamming a door on him in no time.’ The young police detective’s smile faded, and he suddenly looked sad. ‘If I had my way, I’d do more for the poor old soul. These bastards want the book throwing at them, terrorising an old lady like this.’ He kicked at a broken flowerpot and swore. ‘Anyway, must get back. I’ll do all I can. Nice to see you again, boss, and you too, sir.’ Giving Will a little salute, he went back to his car to fetch the bags.

As soon as he had gone, Will and Matt took a careful look around. For half an hour they searched unsuccessfully for anything that might give them a clue as to who the vandal was.

The only thing that Will found was a tiny scrap of creamy white linen. Matt found the broken tip of an old scythe, but that could well have already been in the ground. They bagged it and the cloth, although he did not believe either would be of any help.

‘I reckon we’re wasting our time,’ said Matt after a while. ‘I guess I’d better get back and fill Liz in on what Bryn said, and try to convince your neighbour that the time has come to take a little break away from Whisper Fen.’

Will reached out and touched Matt’s arm. ‘Before you go, have you got just a few minutes? I really need to talk to you.’

Matt looked at him shrewdly. ‘Of course, mate. I’ll just ring Liz and put her in the picture, then I’m all yours.’

Will felt an overwhelming desire to cry.

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER SEVEN

Matt had never seen Will look so distraught. They walked back to Holland House so that Will could check on Kate. She was still asleep, so they went out on to the new patio and sat down.

Will seemed at a loss as to how to begin, but then the words tumbled out in a torrent. Matt had a hard job to make sense of it all. The Will he knew was a tough, level-headed DI, down to earth and practical. The man sitting opposite him was almost a stranger.