‘Not necessary, but you can have an hour. Start by reading the statement I took from Elsie. While you were on a fool’s errand to the hospital, I popped out to see her. She gave me a full background of her family situation. Now, some would argue that it wasn’t needed, but in a small town like Slayton, everyone knows everyone.’ Yvonne cast an eye over the uniformed officers leaving the room. ‘Given Christian’s presence in so many aspects of the case, I pre-empted the SIO’s request for more information.’

‘I still don’t think we should rule him out,’ Sarah said.

‘Yeah, yeah. I gather that. But thankfully you’re not leading the investigation,’ Yvonne replied. ‘“Softly softly, catchy monkey,” as the DI says.’

But Sarah wasn’t ready to concede just yet. ‘Christian is gutting the house. He’s lit a fire in his garden. There could be evidence there.’

‘That house is a health hazard. Good luck to him, I say.’

‘But why is he spring cleaning when his mother’s unconscious in hospital …’ Sarah said. ‘He’s involved somehow. I can feel it.’

‘Are you acting sergeant?’ Richie’s voice rose from behind. He had a habit of making Sarah jump and this time was no exception.

Yvonne responded with a nod.

‘Excuse me, I was here first.’ Sarah looked from Richie to Yvonne, her nerves frayed. ‘What about the letter? It’s obviously someone who knows me.’

‘You think so?’ Yvonne’s eyebrows rose a notch. ‘Given your track record, I wouldn’t be surprised if you wrote it yourself.’

‘That’s harsh,’ Sarah said, heat rising to her face. She shoved Elsie’s journal back into her bag. She was wasting her time here.

‘I’m only saying what everyone’s thinking.’ Yvonne’s stiff laughter filled the air. ‘It’s not that long since you were talking to your husband’s ghost!’ The office fell quiet. She had gone there. Laid Sarah’s most embarrassing moment bare. Yvonne’s manner was unprofessional and not the way a sergeant should behave.

‘Excuse me.’ Sarah brushed past Richie. She’d had enough humiliation for today.

‘That was out of order,’ she heard him say to Yvonne as she marched out the door.