They all knew that unless Shields calmed down considerably, he would most likely be taken to a psychiatric ward or a suitable mental health unit. It wouldn’t be an easy placement because of his status as a prime suspect in a murder investigation. Wherever he went he would have to be closely guarded. ‘Your expert gets here tomorrow, doesn’t he?’ Jackman said.

‘Hughie. Yes, mid-morning probably,’ Sam said. ‘Hopefully, we’ll be able to arrange for him to see Shields for himself now he’s been apprehended. I can’t wait to hear what he’ll have to say.’

‘Where’s he staying, Sam?’ Jackman asked.

‘I haven’t arranged anything yet. I was waiting to see how long he’ll be with us, then I’ll ring up the inn on the main road. He might even need to get back tomorrow evening. He has a very full schedule.’

‘If it helps, I’ll get Hetty to make up the bed in the third bedroom. He’s welcome to join the rest of us here.’

Sam looked relieved. ‘That’d be perfect, Jackman. If it’s no trouble?’

‘None at all.’ Jackman smiled at Laura. ‘You’ll be here tomorrow, sweetheart. Ask Mrs M to sort that out, will you? I’ve got to go in at the crack. Tomorrow could be the day we bring in our other deranged killer.’ He would have liked to talk to her about Jordan Spiller, but she was flagging, and to be honest, so was he. ‘Time we all turned in, I reckon. It’s been one hell of a day for us all.’

He set his alarm for five, and finally drifted off to sleep, excited at the prospect of capturing Spiller and recovering the boy, but fearful of what the day might hold if things went wrong.

* * *

Dotted in their various homes around Saltern-le-Fen, the other members of the team were also wondering about the day to come.

Surrounded by his family, Max felt unusually apprehensive. Maybe it was having the people he loved around him that made him so anxious. Maybe it was the fact that a child was involved. He drew closer to Rosie, breathed in the faint scent of her perfume and prayed for a good outcome.

* * *

Gary lay in bed wishing he could tell Gilly of his fears. They talked every evening now, especially when he was working late, but he was reluctant to offload his work problems on her. She kept telling him he could share his worries with her, she had broad shoulders. He found that wonderfully reassuring. It had been many years since anyone apart from Marie had spoken kind and caring words to him. Now he’d found that person, all he had to do was stay safe.

* * *