The investigation had taken a significant step forward and they had a better idea now of some of what had happened at Oaktree Farm on Christmas Eve.

Heather’s call had obviously come as a bitter blow to Charlotte and she had reacted by insisting that Savage leave the house. After he’d done so she sent him a message, making it clear what she thought of him.

But what happened after that? Did Savage return to the farm following the collision he was involved in? Or did someone else appear on the scene and slaughter the family?

‘At least we’re making progress, guv,’ Abbott said, as she steered the pool car through the town’s busy streets. ‘We know now why Savage might have blown a fuse that night. And hopefully his ex-girlfriend will know where he is. I suppose he could even be staying with her.’

As luck would have it they arrived at Amy Bell’s flat just as she was stepping out of the front door. She was wearing a smart knee-length black overcoat and woollen hat, and was taken aback when they approached her.

‘Am I right in assuming that you are Miss Amy Bell?’ James asked her.

‘Yes, I am,’ she replied, her face fisting into a frown.

They both took out their warrant cards and showed them to her.

‘We’re police officers, Miss Bell. I’m Detective Inspector Walker and my colleague here is Detective Constable Abbott. We’d like to have a word with you about Neil Savage, whom I believe used to be your boyfriend.’

‘Well if you’re going to ask me where he is, I honestly don’t know. We’re not together anymore.’

‘You may not be together but you’re still seeing him, aren’t you?’ James said. ‘In fact, he was here with you on Christmas Eve, wasn’t he?’

‘How do you know that?’ she snapped at him.

‘You were seen leaving a local pub together,’ James said. ‘And naturally it’s made us wonder if you know where we can find him. I take it you’re aware that he’s gone missing?’

‘Yes, I’ve seen the news. But I swear I haven’t seen him since Christmas Eve.’

‘Nevertheless, we’d like to ask you some questions. So, may we come in? It’s rather cold out here.’

She swallowed hard and blew out a breath.

‘Can’t it wait? I’ve got an appointment at the opticians in twenty minutes.’

James forced a smile. ‘I’m sure they won’t mind if you’re a little late or even if you cancel. We’d like to satisfy ourselves that you’re telling us the truth about your contact with your ex. For all we know he could be hiding in this very flat.’