‘And how did Julian feel about your ex-husband confessing to the murder of Charlie Cavendish?’

‘He was shocked, as we all were.’ Angelina shrugged. ‘But not particularly surprised. He knew how unstable David was.’

‘Does he know David’s been released without charge?’

‘Detective Miles, I haven’t heard from him since Issy told me.’

‘No, of course you haven’t. Mrs Millar, the last time you saw Julian, did he do or say anything which gave you an indication that something was amiss?’

Angelina sighed. ‘Not really, no. He wasn’t particularly happy about having to stay at the flat, because Rory was here at home. I’d suggested I’d go and see him last night in Norwich and have a takeaway.’

‘Can you give me the address of his flat, and a key? I’ll arrange for someone to go and take a look,’ said Miles.

‘His secretary’s already been and there was no sign that he’d gone away suddenly. Besides, it just isn’t Julian to do a spur of the moment thing, let alone not contact his office. I’ve tried all the hospitals in the area and they have no one registered in the past two days fitting his description.’ She looked at Miles forlornly. ‘He has simply disappeared.’

‘If you can give me a photograph, I’ll add him to our missing persons file.’

‘Is that all you can do?’

‘As I said, we’ll take a look at his flat, go to his office, but . . .’ Miles shrugged. ‘He’s a grown man and he’s only been missing for two days. Unless there’s some evidence to suggest otherwise, we have to assume he has, for reasons best known to himself, decided to take himself off somewhere.’

‘What about . . .’ Angelina paused. ‘My ex-husband? He hated Julian. We were in town a week or so ago and David threatened to kill Julian. There were lots of witnesses and . . . David was released on Tuesday night, and that’s the last time I heard from Julian, and . . .’

‘I take your point,’ said Miles, cutting to the chase. ‘But try not to worry. I doubt there’s any connection. You yourself have said Mr Millar was not a violent man. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, but I have another appointment.’ Miles stood up. ‘Try and keep calm. I’m sure there is a logical explanation for Julian’s no-show.’

‘I hope you are right. What with everything else, it just seems too much of a coincidence.’ Angelina searched in her handbag for the key to Julian’s flat and handed it to Miles.

‘We’ll do all we can to find him. Right, I’ll be off. Issy’s going to make her own way back to the station. I’ll be in touch if there is any news.’

Angelina walked Miles to the front door. ‘Thank you for coming.’

‘No problem. Goodbye, Mrs Millar.’

Outside Miles took out his mobile to call DS Roland and find out if there was any news on David Millar.