‘And Andrea is involved in some way? My God! Andrea could be accused of a lot of things, but murder?’

‘We’re not accusing her of anything, sir. We’re looking for some people she knew, and we need her help to find them,’ Charlie said.

‘Well, okay. I’ll help as much as I can, but as you probably know, she left me some time ago. After she went, I discovered that there were sides to her that I never knew about.’ He looked down at the table. ‘And I’ve since learned a whole lot more, which makes me feel like a fool for being so naive.’

‘Mr Becker, if what the people who knew her say is correct, she deceived almost everyone she came into contact with. And she caused a lot of hurt and pain along the way,’ Max said.

‘I had a breakdown when she took off with that builder, or whatever he was. It took me nearly a year to even think clearly again.’ Becker shook himself. ‘But how can I help you?’

‘We’re sorry to rake up painful memories, sir,’ said Max, ‘but do you recall a young woman your wife once brought home for tea? Her name was Claire. She had a little boy with her called Leon.’

‘Officers, my wife collected people like others collect fridge magnets or Pokémon. There were always people coming and going through the house. I don’t remember any Claire — hold on. Yes, actually I do recall the boy. Didn’t speak. He was either very shy or maybe just unhappy. If he came from that shelter Andrea worked in, I’m guessing it was the latter.’

‘He was from the refuge, sir. Apparently, Andrea was very taken with them. She even wanted them to come and stay with you,’ Charlie said.

Felix Becker snorted. ‘I’ve heard that before, many times. What a farce that would have been. Andrea wasn’t exactly an angel when she was at home.’

‘But you still loved her?’ asked Max. ‘Sorry to be so personal.’

‘For my sins, yes,’ Becker said. ‘I was completely taken in by her. And she was so beautiful when she was younger.’ He had brought an A4 envelope, from which he removed two photographs. One showed him and Andrea on their wedding day — a happy, strikingly handsome couple.

Max looked closer. Even if he hadn’t known what he did about Andrea, he would have spotted the look on her face — pure triumph. She had landed her catch, the handsome German.

The second picture, Becker told them, was taken not long before she left him and was the most recent he had. It showed her with two other women outside the church she attended. ‘I destroyed all but these two pictures, Officers. They represent the beginning and the end of our relationship.’