Marie finally laughed. ‘Thank you, Auntie Jackman. You can stand down now. I feel my sanity returning.’

‘About bloody time,’ he said, smiling. ‘Now, will you please blow your nose, get back on your steed — sorry, bike — and help me catch this killer.’

* * *

Annie had decided to tell Callum about the meeting. She played the whole thing down, describing it as a spur-of-the-moment thing instigated by Natalie. Knowing how little time he had with his brother these days, she had decided to spare him from having to choose between them. Andrew added that it was his fault really, having thought Callum would much rather keep his big brother company than drink tea with a bunch of old women. So, after a few grumbles, Callum had come round, and of course had agreed with Andrew.

Now, Callum was up in his room, talking to one of his friends on WhatsApp, while she and Andrew prepared supper.

She soon came out with the whole story, glad to have someone to share it with.

Andrew took it all in, then laid down the paring knife he was using. ‘Mum, you can’t sit on this!’ He gave her a long look, sighed and smiled. ‘It was a great idea, and let’s face it, it’s worked. But you need to pass it straight to the police. Believe me, they need every single bit of intelligence they can get. For all you know, somewhere in those stories there’s some tiny detail that will link to something they know and you don’t. It could be vital, so stop what you’re doing and ring that number you’ve stuck on the fridge door. Though to be fair to them, you’d better tell your friends what you’ve done.’

‘When exactly did you get so damned sensible?’ she asked, shaking her head.

He grinned. ‘I’ve always been sensible, it’s just that nobody noticed. Now, off you go.’

Annie rang Natalie’s number, and to her relief, Patsy answered. ‘Can you do me a favour . . . ?’

‘I’ll ring round the others right now, Annie. You phone the police. I was going to ring you myself, because the more I’ve thought about it, the more I think your son is right. We must tell the police. Keep in touch.’

That done, Annie phoned PC Stacey Smith.

‘Let me stop you right there, Annie,’ said Stacey almost immediately. ‘I’m in the CID room now, and they’re finishing up for the day. You need to tell the DI. I’ll get him. Hold on.’

And then she was speaking to DI Jackman. She explained that the stories were of a rather personal nature, and he seemed to appreciate what she meant.

‘Can I come and speak to you, Mrs Carson? I think I need to hear this from you directly — if I may?’

Annie agreed.