‘Absolutely. It could be coincidental Daneman changed the will so recently. Some people are obsessive about their wills and alter them all the time. Was the solicitor able to shed any light on the subject?’

‘I asked him, of course, why he thought the will had been changed. He said he had no idea and it was none of his business to question these things. However, he did venture that in his professional opinion, there was usually a method behind the seeming madness. He had assumed Mr Frederiks was either a close friend or a relative of some kind.’

‘Have forensics come back on the medical dispensary sheet?’

‘Yes. And the drug that was Tippexed out was aspirin. You were right.’

‘And how did Issy get on with young Rory yesterday?’

‘It went well apparently. She’s going back to see him again this morning and I know she’s eager to speak to you about it when you have the chance. Rather fortuitous, this snow.’

‘Really, why?’

There was a slight pause before Miles answered. ‘Just that it’s been good to have some company.’

‘I’m going back up to the ward now, but as soon as I’ve seen the consultant, I’ll know a little more about when I should be back and I’ll call you then. I’d like you to come and collect me anyway. I’d like Issy to hang around a little longer so we can have a chat, but tell her I’ll speak to her at lunchtime, whatever.’

‘She’s intending to stay the night here anyway.’

‘Really? That surprises me. Thought Issy hated anything to do with the country. Must be your fatal charm, Miles. Speak later.’

Jazz was about to switch her mobile off and go back in when it rang. It was not a number she knew.

‘DI Hunter.’

‘Yes, hello, Inspector Hunter, it’s Angelina Millar here. I am so sorry to bother you and it may be nothing but . . . my . . . er . . . partner, Julian, seems to have gone missing.’

All Jazz needed now was a neurotic woman whose boyfriend had done the dirty on her.

‘Gone missing? Are you sure?’

‘Yes. I haven’t heard from him for two days now, since Tuesday evening. He didn’t arrive at his office yesterday – he’s a solicitor, you see, and his secretary hasn’t heard a word from him. He’s not answering his mobile and he isn’t at his flat.’

‘I see.’ Jazz was eager to get back inside. ‘I’m afraid I’m currently tied up, Mrs Millar, but if I give you my sergeant’s number, perhaps he could help you. Have you got a pen and paper handy?’

‘Yes.’

Jazz repeated Miles’s number.

‘Thank you, Inspector Hunter. You may think I’m being silly, and maybe I am, but it’s so unlike Julian. He’s so pedantic about arrangements, and as his secretary said, it’s unheard of for Julian to not turn up to the office when he knew he had clients.’

‘The snow yesterday was terrible. Have you contacted the hospitals?’