‘Mr Carrington, his prints are on the knife that has been confirmed as the murder weapon. That is evidence,’ stated Vic politely.

‘He has already told you that he found it in the garden and picked it up. Of course his prints will be on it! That does not mean it was he who used it.’ Carrington glared at him. ‘I would like some time to talk to my client.’

Vic suspended the interview.

‘Well, Sarge,’ Denise began once they were outside, ‘you kept your cool there. What will Carrington do next, do you think?’

‘I reckon he’ll advise Shields to remain and see this expert psychologist. Then he’ll weigh up his options.’

‘Carrington likes to back winners, Sarge.’ Denise gave him an impish smile. ‘And I got the impression his heart wasn’t in this one.’

‘Let’s hope so.’

Ten minutes later, they left the interview room for the second time. It was as Vic had predicted — they would await the expert.

* * *

Behind her, Marie heard two-tones and caught the flash of blue lights in her mirrors. Who were they warning to get out of their way on this lonely track — a hare and a couple of pheasants?

Ahead, she could now see the opening to the flat concrete area that was End Point, and heading towards it, the 4x4. It would all come down to the next few moments, and whether her request for a Stinger had been met.

As they drew even closer, she noticed another, smaller entrance to the quay, just metres to the left of the main one. At one time the lane entrance had been closed to traffic, but the gate was long gone. This smaller passage must have been for pedestrian access.

The big vehicle showed no signs of slowing down. Oh God, she was right! He was not stopping.

Now she was close to his tail. Marie accelerated hard. As he powered through the gateway, she veered off and flew through the narrow gap, then flung the bike into a skid and braked hard.

What happened next unfolded in slow motion. She knew that she was between the car and the water — it was all she’d been able to think of to make him automatically brake and swerve and prevent him killing the boy. Or . . . But she refused to think of the alternative.

The dreaded impact never happened. The Stinger had been deployed. The vehicle’s tyres deflated, and it veered off in an impressive skid and came to a halt facing back up the lane, about five yards from Marie.

All around them, police officers erupted as from nowhere and surrounded the car. All Marie could see were the wide eyes and the open mouth of the terrified child.

‘Step out of the car. Now!’ The command rang out, followed by silence. Only the 4x4 could be heard quietly hissing.