‘What have you got?’

‘It’s … would you normally come out to something like this?’ The woman’s voice was now full of doubt, like she was talking herself out of it.

‘Turning out to dead bodies seems to be very normal, as it happens. This will be my third in a week.’

‘Oh … I called my inspector and they said they would only come out if you didn’t …’

‘And they don’t want to come.’

The woman laughed. ‘I did get that impression. He said that he would get all the way out here and then you would want to come out anyway. He talked about missing out the middleman. I guess he thinks he is the middleman.’

‘Sounds like you’re right …’ Joel hesitated, then turned back to where sounds were coming from the kitchen, of ovens being pulled open and baking trays sliding out. It was Michelle checking the roast dinner. A Norris family Sunday tradition. And it would be ready soon.

‘I can explain over the phone but my boss … he said you’d want to see it, said it looks like it might be really important?’ The uncertainty was back in the sergeant’s voice. Joel had hesitated too long.

‘Send me details for my sat nav and I’ll head out for a look.’

‘That’s great, sorry again. No one likes a call on a Sunday!’ She sounded a little more genuine this time.

‘I don’t mind,’ Joel lied. ‘My wife on the other hand …’

‘Your wife let you out!’

A young woman in a uniform sporting Sergeant chevrons on each shoulder stepped out of her patrol car to approach Joel the moment he pulled up. Her smile dropped away and she leaned into his window to make it obvious she was studying his face. ‘And no black eyes. It went well then?’

‘I took the coward’s way out. I told her I was popping out for some milk.’ Joel tried to stay deadpan but a smile forced its way through to give him away.

‘Oh, I see! Do you normally put on a shirt and tie to go out for milk?’

‘You don’t?’ Joel said.

‘Fair point. We’d better speed this up then!’ The sergeant had a giggle that was immediately infectious.