‘Maybe that’s what’s disturbing you,’ said Sam thoughtfully. ‘His expression, maybe his body language too, doesn’t match what he’s saying. That can be very unsettling.’

Laura looked at him. ‘Do you know, I think that’s it! He’s saying one thing and thinking another! It’s confusing, especially when you’re trying to get to the bottom of what’s causing his condition.’ She smiled at her friend. ‘It’s something I’d like you to keep an eye open for when he comes.’

‘Oh, I will. In fact, I can hardly wait to make the acquaintance of your Mr Shields.’

* * *

Charlie and Max hurried into the CID room buzzing with excitement.

‘The woman in the health food shop turned up trumps!’ Max exclaimed.

‘After a bit of gentle Cockney persuasion,’ added Charlie with a grin.

‘We have an address for Andrea Becker.’ Max opened his notebook. ‘Thirteen Hilary Court, Main Road, Sutton Bridge. And it’s recent!’

Jackman, who had been talking to Marie, gave them a smile. ‘Nice one. That’s good work, lads! And Marie here has come up with a last known address for Claire and Leon, so it looks like we’re all going to have to hit the road. I would say ring the local division and get them to call round, but I think we’ll just notify them out of courtesy and go ourselves. Are you two up for a quick trip to Sutton Bridge?’

‘Like a shot, boss. I think we need to deal with this lady ourselves. After all, it’s us knows what she’s really like, isn’t it?’ Max looked as if he was itching to tackle this one.

Sutton Bridge was about an hour’s drive from Saltern-le-Fen, so they would be back early afternoon, hopefully with Andrea Becker in the back seat of their car. So Jackman said, ‘If you want to get off immediately, I’ll ring the local lads and put them in the picture. Meanwhile, Marie and I are off to Skegness.’

‘Come on, Charlie,’ Max said. ‘Sorry it’s not the seaside. No candy floss for you, mate.’

Jackman watched them go. ‘How about you, Marie? Fancy that stick of candy floss?’

‘Well, I wouldn’t mind a nice pot of cockles.’ She smiled at him. ‘You know, boss, this could be a complete waste of time. Why don’t I shoot off there, while you get on with the more important business? I can be there in forty minutes, check it out and be back in no time. Of course I’d have been quicker on Tiger, but it’s getting pretty cloudy outside. That weather report could well be right.’

It made sense. The reports were piling up and he still hadn’t updated the super. ‘Maybe you’re right, Marie, but ring me as soon as you know something, won’t you?’

‘Of course. Can I bring you back some jellied eels?’