‘And were you acquainted with Simon and Amanda Roth, the couple who lived on Oaktree Farm before the Batemans? Did you have any business with them?’

‘No. The first I heard of them was when their names were all over the papers back when they died.’

‘And finally, do you know anyone else Robert Bateman owed money to?’

Foreman shook his head. ‘I’m sure there must be others, though. I can’t believe I was the only fool to succumb to his sob story and lend him money that he no doubt squandered on online gaming sites.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

As James left the interview room, his thoughts were gnashing in his head.

He wasn’t sure what to make of Dean Foreman, or whether to believe what he’d said. The guy was clearly an arrogant prick, and James was willing to bet that he was also mentally and physically abusive to his wife.

But would she cover for him if she suspected he had committed murder? James knew it was possible given the sheer number of women he’d seen in court who had done exactly that.

‘D’you want me to go and see the wife, guv?’ Stevens asked. ‘I’ve already met her because she opened the door when I arrived at their house.’

‘And how did she strike you?’

‘The nervous type. Polite and timid, and quietly spoken. If she’s hiding something, I don’t think it will take much to get her to crack.’

‘Then go for it,’ James said. ‘And see how quickly you can get a forensic team there. But before you go, get Foreman’s DNA and prints, and an impression of the soles of the shoes he’s wearing.’

‘And where are you off to, guv?’

‘Kirkby Abbey. We’re ready to see if Kenneth O’Connor’s house will throw up anything interesting. And hopefully we can drop in on Charlotte Bateman’s ex-boyfriend, William Nash.’

Back in the office, DC Abbott had some news for James.

‘Three things, guv,’ she said. ‘First, I’ve spoken to Penrith and they’re still receiving calls in response to the press conference. So far none stand out or offer a credible clue as to Neil Savage’s whereabouts.’

‘Well I’m sure the appeal will be repeated during the rest of the day and into the evening, so there’s still a chance we’ll strike lucky. What are the other things?’

‘I’ve now got William Nash’s address so we’re ready to roll. And I can confirm that he doesn’t have a criminal record. But, of course, that doesn’t mean he’s clean.’

Before they set off for Kirkby Abbey, James called the team together to tell them about the interview with Dean Foreman.