‘The place has been in the family for generations, which was why Grandad held on to it for so long. He wanted Robin to inherit it.’ She broke eye contact with the house to glance at her sergeant. ‘Can you imagine it? It’s like an arranged marriage, tying a young boy to a future like that. When Robin died, the house fell to me.’ But the farm land had gone to her uncle, and he subsequently sold it to Irving Industries to build their gated communities on. Simon Irving was a tougher nut to crack. He admitted his father had paid off John’s debts but denied any knowledge of the shootings which followed. Irving’s father had left John in a position that was impossible to back out of.

Gabby didn’t reply. There was nothing to say. She cast her eyes to the sky as the caws of stony-eyed ravens filled the air. In the distance, Sarah saw Richie parking his motorbike. She wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

‘Here we go!’ Sarah said, as the wrecking ball began to drive into position. She clenched her fists, her heart skipping a beat. It wouldn’t surprise her if the old place refused to fall. Whatever lay in its foundations would surely not give up without a fight. As she waited for the hammer to deliver the first blow, she turned to her sergeant, voicing her concerns.

‘Why did you really come here, Gabby? It wasn’t just for Jahmelia, was it?’

‘Anyone would think you’re a detective,’ she smiled. ‘Actually, I wanted to let you know that I’m recommending you’re taken off restricted duties. I want you full-time on the team.’ Her smile faded as she caught Sarah’s expression. ‘I thought you’d be excited. Haven’t you always wanted this?’

‘I thought so,’ Sarah said. ‘But sometimes the things you chase aren’t meant to be caught.’

Gabby looked at her quizzically. ‘So, you don’t want to be a detective full-time?’

‘I’m not ready. Not yet. I’ll keep taking statements if that’s OK. I want to deal with regular people and listen … really listen to them.’ She shoved her hands into her pockets. For the first time in a long time, she felt positive about the future.

‘The voice of the people?’ Gabby’s eyebrows rose.

‘Why not?’ Sarah stared into the distance, waiting for the criticism to come. But Gabby wasn’t Yvonne. Her words came from a place of concern, not spite. Not that Yvonne had been saying much now that Gabby had returned.

‘Then I don’t have a problem with it, as long as it’s what you want.’ She zipped up her fleece and shuddered, looking straight ahead. ‘They sure are taking their time.’

The workmen were taking their time, but Sarah did not want to join them to see what the hold-up was. Even now, after everything, the Manor was a formidable place.