‘Let me think . . . Ah, yes, it was definitely three days ago, at around seven in the evening. I was watering the hanging basket when she came home.’

‘Alone, sir?’

‘Yes, alone.’ He glared at Max. ‘Look. What’s happened? Is she all right? Only she’s well liked around here. We’re all quite new to the area, and she’s been a real brick, helping people out and that.’

So our Andrea was running true to form. ‘Nice to hear, sir.’ He smiled. ‘Thank you for your assistance. Other officers will no doubt speak to you later.’

He hurried away, conscious of those porcine eyes following him all the way to the car.

* * *

Jackman had just finished arranging matters with Sutton Bridge when his mobile rang.

‘Well, boss. No candy floss, no jellied eels and definitely no Claire and Leon. And no bloody sunshine either, it’s tipping it down here.’

Jackman had to smile. Poor Marie. So much for her trip to the seaside. ‘Well, at least you were proved right. You said it would be a waste of time.’

‘I’ve spoken to a number of people who live in the same block of flatlets, and one or two of them remember having seen Claire and her son, but not for some time. I do have the name and number of the woman who loaned her the flat, but there’s no answer at present. I’ll keep trying.’

‘Get back here, Marie. You’ve had no luck, but Max and Charlie’s luck was even worse. They walked straight into the aftermath of another of our night stalker’s murder games. At least, that’s what we assume. A team is already on its way to excavate what appears to be a shallow grave, and Forensics will be wading their way through a sea of blood in the lounge, according to a rather queasy-sounding Charlie Button.’

‘Oh my!’ Marie exclaimed. ‘A bit of rain doesn’t seem so bad all of a sudden. I’m on my way back now.’

Jackman went out into the CID room, where Robbie, Gary and Kevin were all hard at it. ‘If I could stop you guys for a minute. I have an update . . .’

‘He really is clearing up, isn’t he?’ murmured Robbie. ‘Seems like he’s getting rid of anyone who had anything to do with Claire and Leon.’

‘Looks that way, Rob, but it seems Claire and the boy are still one step ahead of him. Anyone got anything on Claire’s history yet?’ Jackman was becoming frustrated by the lack of information about this woman.