‘If it helps at all, sir,’ said Jackman, glancing from father to son, ‘we have no reason to look in Giles’s direction regarding the case we’re currently investigating. It’s the work of a very particular kind of person.’ He smiled at Giles. ‘And he’s nothing whatsoever like you, sir. We won’t be knocking on your door.’

Mark Bannon looked relieved, but Giles still appeared sceptical. And why shouldn’t he be? Marie thought. His dealings with the police and the judicial system must have been the stuff of nightmares.

Ruth said that indeed it was a good idea for Giles to absent himself for a while. She promised to do her utmost to ensure that his presence in the area remained unknown.

‘No one knows he’s here, Superintendent,’ said his father, ‘and I want to keep it that way. Some people out there have the habit of jumping to ill-informed conclusions. They aren’t interested in the truth and would happily incite a lynch mob if the fancy took them.’

‘Enough, Dad. Enough. We’ve said our piece. Now let’s just go.’ Giles stood up. Marie saw that he was shaking.

Mark stood too. ‘I’m sorry. My son is right. If I could just have an email address we can send our details to?’

Jackman took two cards from his pocket and gave one to each of them. ‘Use my own personal email address. And, Giles, if anyone does bother you, ring me direct.’

After they had gone, Ruth directed them to sit again. ‘Have either of you read the trial transcripts?’

Marie nodded. ‘Yes, plus I’ve been through the media reports.’

‘Opinion?’

‘The first trial was flawed, full of omissions and with not nearly enough hard evidence. I was surprised they handed down a guilty verdict. But the jury must have seen something I didn’t, since they were there day after day, watching him.’

‘And what did you think of him today, Rowan?’ Ruth asked.

‘He’s a mess, Ruth. That was no act. He’s screwed up, poor man.’

Marie recalled the uncontrollable shaking of his hands, and the twisted, angry look when Ruth had mentioned being free. ‘I agree, Super. He’s clearly seriously affected by what’s happened, but who knows? It could be a guilt thing.’

‘Mmm.’ Ruth sat back in her chair. ‘He’s not what I expected. His father certainly seems to have a close eye on him. He and the mother upped sticks too, you know, so that he wouldn’t be completely alone in a strange county. Mrs Bannon’s family were born here. Now they live in East Saltern, about fifteen minutes from their son.’