Matt shrugged. ‘Really? Would that honestly make a difference? I’d be surprised if the little shits can spell, let alone get their swastikas the right way round. What else can it be but her being Jewish?’

‘Well, Bryn Owen did say there was a nasty faction operating from out Nottingham way, so if I was them, first thing I’d do is check out any fascist organisations that could have a cell round here.’ It was the correct route to take, but Will couldn’t shake the feeling that all this was about something very different indeed. But what?

Matt paced around the garden. ‘Poor woman! She’s made such an effort to sort out the last lot of damage, now this! It’s so damned unfair! I’d like to knock six bells out of whoever did this.’

Will said, ‘I know her going away makes sense, especially for her safety, but I hope that isn’t what someone is relying on.’

‘Yeah, I get your point,’ Matt said. ‘I must ask her if there’s anything of particular value in that cottage. Something that would be easier to take if she were out of the way.’

‘I thought she was getting cameras installed? They would help with this sort of vandalism,’ said Will.

‘Apparently, the company she chose have gone bust. Unless I’m wrong, Liz sourced another one for her and they should be setting something up later this week.’ Matt sighed. ‘Bit late, but if what you suggest is true, then they could still be useful.’ He stared down the lane. ‘Look, if you want to get back to Kate, I’ll wait for the police. Then I’ll get home and do what I can to sort out Emilia.’

As there was little he could do here, Will agreed. He’d promised Kate regular meals and he had yet to prepare lunch. ‘Okay, but ring me later, won’t you? I’ll start taking regular walks down here, several times a day and maybe once late at night. I swear there’s an ulterior motive for all this, and we’re just not getting it.’

‘Damn right we’re not getting it! Bloody hell, Will, we were a couple of the Fenland Constabulary’s finest, a DI and a DCI, and this piece of shit is running rings round us! Damn it, Will, that hurts!’

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

It was mid-afternoon by the time Matt and Emilia arrived back at Little Anchor. He was surprised to see Will coming towards them down the lane.

‘I just wanted to say how sorry I am, Mrs Swain,’ said Will. ‘And to offer to try and sort this, er, artwork out for you.’