‘Phew! Shame I woke up.’ She only ever dreamed when she took her sleeping pills. Nonetheless, that was some dream, and so vivid!

Fleur roused herself. She needed to keep moving this morning. Today, she was embarking on a new, long-overdue fitness regime. She showered quickly and pulled on her swimming costume, followed by a loose sweatshirt and joggers.

She ran downstairs and into the kitchen and stopped, looking around. Something wasn’t right. Hang on. Where was the picture of Jason? A photograph of her son always hung next to the Welsh dresser, and now it had gone. A slight draught caused her to turn away, and she saw that the back door was ajar. The door she had carefully locked when she went to bed. The door she had rechecked when she came down to make her drink.

Images from her dream flooding back into her mind, Fleur walked slowly back up to her bedroom. She stopped just inside the door and sniffed. It was faint but unmistakable. Cologne.

She ran from the room.

* * *

‘He’s made another night-time sortie, Jackman, this time in your village.’ Marie sounded remarkably awake for six in the morning. ‘Another boy’s picture taken and another woman half scared to death. Sorry to ring you so early, but I’ve just had a call from Control. Uniform were going to attend, but as we have an interest in this creep, they wondered if we’d want it. I suggested you might like to do a house call on your way into work. I could meet you there if you like?’

‘Er, yes, sure. What time?’

‘How about seven? It’ll give you time to shower and grab something to eat. The address is three, Glebe Close, Cartoft. The woman’s name is Fleur Harper. Do you know her?’

He thought about it. ‘I knew a Bob Harper, but he moved away a few years back. Could be his ex-wife. Anyway, I know where it is. See you there.’

‘You will.’

Marie had hung up before he could ask her how her evening went. Never mind, he’d get it out of her later.

‘Off early again?’ Laura asked.

‘Sorry, sweetheart. Duty calls. But at least I’ve got time to grab some breakfast before I go. I’ll bring you some tea.’ She looked so beautiful with her tousled hair and sleepy eyes . . . He sighed.

‘Nothing I can do to convince you to stay?’ She gave him a slow smile.

‘Plenty. But right now, another woman needs me.’

‘Oh well. In that case I’ll have another half-hour’s sleep.’ She pulled the bedclothes up and settled back down.

Jackman showered, dressed and made a pot of tea and some toast. He took a mug up to Laura. She was always so difficult to leave. He hurried back downstairs and let himself out, careful to lock the door behind him.

* * *

‘Morning, boss.’

Clad in her black-and-red riding leathers, Marie stood waiting for him beside her motorcycle. She struck an impressive figure.