‘I’ve got all this, just go. And let me know how she is.’ This had to be the patient that had been causing him such anxiety, the one she couldn’t talk to him about. She turned back to Andy Forman.

‘Sorry, Andy. It’s an emergency, or DI Jackman wouldn’t have left like that. Now, this could be vital. Do you have any idea where Jordan might be right now? We know he has a twelve-year-old boy with him. His name is Davy and he trusts Jordan, who he knows as Mr Edwards. Jordan seems to know a lot about ecology and conservation, and he’s been in several local schools recently, talking to the children about wildlife. Does this sound like him to you?’

Andy drew in a long breath, then blew it out slowly. ‘As to where he is, I really can’t say. But the conservation thing is bang on. It was his hobby, it got him out of the house and away from Claire. He joined all sorts of wildlife charity groups and organisations, and his lad was the same. Loved animals, birds and butterflies and all kinds of insects.’

‘We believe the house they lived in was in his name. Is that true?’ she asked.

‘Oh yes. Jordan earned good money, as do I, we’re highly skilled and do a dangerous job. The house was his and he kept it that way. When they first married, Claire was all sweetness and light, but I think he came to see quite quickly that there was another side to her. Her name was never added to the deeds.’

‘Is there any chance he has a second property, a bolthole somewhere?’ Marie asked.

‘He talked of getting something. He said he fancied a chalet or a cabin, preferably close to water, so he could watch the migrant waterfowl, but to my knowledge he never bought anything.’ His face took on a thoughtful expression. ‘Although, he did have a friend who had what he called a hideaway. Jordan went there sometimes when things got bad. He took Christopher once. I remember him telling me it was his dream to live somewhere like that, really simply, just him and his son.’

Marie felt a sudden flash of hope. If it meant that much to him, had he gone back there again, this time with Davy? ‘Do you have any idea of this friend’s name? Or where his hideaway is located?’

Andy Forman frowned in concentration. ‘What the hell was the guy called? I never met him, and he didn’t mix with us roofers. Jordan met him up on the sea bank watching avocets, and they got talking.’ He looked at her, still frowning. ‘It’s gone, I’m afraid, but I’ll remember it when I get home, I’m sure.’

Marie gave him her card. ‘It’s important, Andy. Ring me the moment you remember. But the location?’