Marie stared at the cheeky smiling face. ‘So why don’t I think he’s a deviant? Everything points to it. Fleur Harper thought so as soon as she heard he was collecting photos of young boys. But something keeps telling me it’s not so simple.’

‘Then there’s the death of Nan Cutler,’ Jackman said. ‘He took the picture from her album, but then why kill her so deliberately? I mean, she was an old lady — a very old lady. It doesn’t make sense.’

‘Any hunches yet, boss?’ Marie asked.

‘Nothing substantial, no.’ He exhaled. ‘And yet, something’s telling me it’s all a carefully constructed plan, like he’s set himself a task and he’s working through it.’

‘To what end, I wonder?’ Marie said.

‘I’ve no idea, but I think we might learn something when we find out more about Nan Cutler’s life. If she had to be eliminated, she either knew something or had done something unforgivable. If we can find what that was, we might gain some insight into his master plan.’

‘Gary and I are working on that now, boss, and we’ve roped in DC Kevin Stoner as he was at a loose end.’

‘Excellent. Anything of interest shown up yet?’ he asked.

‘Believe me, you’ll be the first to know, but she seems to have been so ordinary. We’re putting together a potted history of her life and we’ll let you have it once we’re done.’ Marie glanced at the clock. ‘Anything back from Forensics yet?’

‘Rory told me he’ll be calling in before lunch and he’ll bring everything he has so far. I’ll give you a shout when he gets here.’

She stood up. ‘Great. Meanwhile, I’ll press on with Nan Cutler.’

‘Er, meant to ask . . . Good time last night, Marie?’ He tried to sound casual.

‘Very nice, thank you.’

‘And, er, will you be seeing him again?’

‘Probably — if that’s all right with you?’ She gave a laugh. ‘Oh, Jackman! Why not just ask? Yes, I’m definitely going to see him again. He’s a really nice man and I enjoy his company. I know he’s another copper, and yes, that may make things more difficult, but at least we both know what the job involves. If either of us has to work late and break a date, the other will understand.’

‘I’m pleased for you, Marie, I really am. It’s good to see you looking happy again.’

‘But?’

‘No buts, honestly.’

All the same, Marie had caught the concern in his eyes. ‘Don’t worry about me, Jackman. I’m a big girl now. I’m not making any life-changing decisions, I’m just enjoying myself. It might last, it might not, who knows? Just don’t worry.’

‘I can’t help worrying about you, Marie. You’re very special to me. I couldn’t bear to see you hurt again.’

Oh, Jackman. How lucky she was to have someone care so much about her. ‘If it wasn’t inappropriate, I’d hug you, Jackman!’

‘And I’d hug you back, but since my office door’s wide open, maybe you’d better bugger off and do some work.’