As they all begin to disperse, Robert hands Mary a handkerchief from his pocket so that she can dry her eyes.

‘Some people are going to The White Hart for a drink,’ he says. ‘I think we should join them. Charlotte will be awake by then and she’ll enjoy it.’

‘I’m not sure I’m up to it,’ Mary replies. ‘I’d rather go back to the farm.’

Robert leans into her and kisses her cheek.

‘You’ll be fine once we’re there, sweetheart. It’ll do us both good and we don’t have to stay long.’

Mary blows out a breath and nods. ‘Very well.’

They head for the gate with Robert steering the pushchair. As they step out onto the pavement, Detective Keegan is waiting to speak to them.

‘I just want to ask how things are going at the farm,’ he says to Robert. ‘It’s been a long time since I last spoke to you.’

‘Well, it’s not easy but we’re making a go of it,’ Robert tells him. ‘I like to think that Simon and Amanda would be pleased with what we’re doing.’

‘I’m sure they would be,’ Keegan says. ‘From what I’ve heard you’re doing them proud.’

‘And what about you, Inspector? Are you still investigating the deaths?’

Keegan shakes his head. ‘That part of the case is concluded. All the evidence suggests that Simon killed his wife and then committed suicide. But the search for their daughter continues. We’ll never stop looking for her. And hopefully one day we’ll find her and solve the mystery of her disappearance.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

When the press conference ended James went back to his desk and reflected on the fact that his wife’s parents had known the two couples who had died at Oaktree Farm. It was a curious thing and it made the case all the more disturbing.

In London he had always managed to keep a distance between his own family and the cases he worked on. The only exception was the Andrew Sullivan investigation because the bastard made threats that had to be taken seriously. So seriously that he and Annie felt that it was no longer safe to live in the capital.

This was different, of course, but nevertheless it was beginning to unsettle him. And it must have shown on his face because DC Abbott asked him if he was all right.

He hadn’t noticed that she was standing in front of his desk, her face pinched with concern.

‘Of course I am,’ he said. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘Because I’ve been trying to get your attention and it’s like you’re in a trance.’

‘I’m sorry, Jessica. I was thinking about the Roth killings and their missing baby. It’s such a tragic story.’

‘I know it is, guv. I’ve been reading about it too.’