‘No way, you’re not putting that on me. Iqbal was security conscious. Very. I could only access his garden, and I did it through there.’

Suzie pointed to a gate in between Mr Kassam’s bungalow and the empty property that was for sale next door.

‘You’re sure he never gave you a key?’

‘Quite sure, thank you.’

‘Then can I ask, where have you been this morning?’

‘Well, one of my clients picked up her black labs from me at about eight o’clock. I’ve been looking after them overnight. But since then, I’ve been at home.’

‘Was anyone with you?’

‘No. I live on my own. And if I was involved in any way in whatever happened here, do you think I’d turn up at Iqbal’s house right after the police? You might think I’m stupid, but I’m not that stupid.’

A grey van with a satellite dish on the roof pulled up on the street outside the house and DS Malik’s shoulders sagged. How did the press find out about a crime so quickly? She’d have to get the constable to see them off, but she was also aware that she had to get Mr Kassam’s dog off the premises.

‘Okay, then I’ve got two favours to ask. Firstly, would you take Mr Kassam’s dog in for us? Just until we can find someone who’s happy to look after her more permanently.’

‘Sure. I’ll look after Emma. What’s the other favour?’

‘That’s the local press over there,’ DS Malik said, indicating a reporter and camera operator getting their equipment from the back of the van. ‘I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak to them.’

‘Then you’ve nothing to worry about. My lips are sealed.’

‘Thank you.’

DS Malik accompanied Suzie down the side of the house, and saw how happily Mr Kassam’s dog welcomed her. Suzie also made a great play of fussing Emma; it was clear her connection with the dog was natural and authentic.

Once Suzie had left with Emma on a lead, DS Malik headed back inside and returned to the body. If it wasn’t for the blood everywhere, Mr Kassam could well have been asleep. And the bullet hole in the centre of his head of course. It was clearly murder, but was Judith right? Was this the second murder? It didn’t seem possible, but there was no denying the similarities between the two deaths.

DS Malik was about to turn away when the sunlight through the window flashed on something inside Iqbal’s mouth. She’d not seen it the first time as his mouth was almost completely closed.

‘Constable, have you got a light there?’

The constable came over with a torch.

‘Could you shine it at the victim’s mouth?’