‘Well, whatever we think,’ said Jackman, ‘in the eyes of the law he’s an innocent man, and we’ll treat him as such.’ He gave Marie a grin. ‘I guessed what you were thinking when you realised who he was, Marie Evans. “Hey up! He’ll not get through any top opener that I’ve ever seen.” Am I right?’

‘Except for the “hey up.” That’s hardly Welsh! But at least he’s one less name to add to the list of suspects.’

Jackman pulled a face. ‘We don’t have any names on the suspect list yet.’

‘And that’s worrying,’ said Ruth. ‘You two better get out of my office and do something about it. I just wanted you to hear all that for yourselves and give you a chance to get to see our new neighbour in person.’

They stood up to go. ‘Thanks, Ruth,’ said Jackman. ‘We appreciate it.’ He paused in the doorway. ‘By the way, off the record, what did you think? Guilty or innocent?’

She gave him one of her shrewd looks. ‘Personally? I’m reserving judgement.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Having apprised her son Andrew of the need to keep his younger brother occupied and why, Annie Carson set off for Old Fleet.

She found Natalie’s bungalow, Crosswinds. Patsy opened the door to her, smiling.

‘Ah, the great escape. Work out okay, did it?’

‘Like a dream. I hate to cut Callum out, but people may want to say things he shouldn’t hear.’

When they were all settled in Natalie’s lounge, and tea and coffee had been served, Annie took the lead. ‘I hate to say this, ladies, but I don’t think we were selected at random, as I first believed.’

A rattle filled the silence as the women set down their cups.

‘But we knew that,’ said Fleur. ‘He picked us out because of the photographs we had.’

‘Yes, of course, that’s partly right,’ said Annie. ‘But it’s more than that. He’s looking for a specific child. From the questions the police have been asking, it can be inferred that this man’s child was taken from him and either fostered or adopted, and he wants him back.’ Annie looked at them. ‘The police have asked us all if the children in those photos were ours by birth. They also wanted to know if we had ever known a child called Teddy, isn’t that right?’

They all nodded.

‘Well, that’s the child he’s searching for.’

‘I agree,’ said Patsy. ‘It makes sense. But you’ll have to go back a few years. This didn’t happen recently.’