‘No problem. One last thing.’ Stacey still had her notebook out. ‘Could you describe the photo that was taken? You’ve told us the frame was the same as the others, and that it was of Callum — what did the picture actually show?’

‘He was about ten, wearing navy shorts and a Hogwarts T-shirt, and holding Cocoa — that’s his rabbit. I took it here in the garden. I have the image on my computer if you’d like it.’

Stacey wrote that down and pocketed the book. ‘Thank you, Annie. Maybe you could print us off a copy? Someone will contact you later about that, and don’t forget the forensic officer.’

Jay opened the front door with his gloved hands and they went out to the car. ‘Try not to touch that door,’ Jay called back. ‘Have a good day, thank you for all your help — and the tea!’

Annie put the mugs in the dishwasher and went to check on Callum, who was fast asleep with his earbuds still in. It was still early, but she knew she wouldn’t sleep again.

* * *

In the car, Jay and Stacey looked at each other, their faces grave.

‘He’s upped his game, hasn’t he?’ said Stacey after a while.

‘And he’s extending his area. He usually sticks to town.’ Jay frowned. ‘Same MO, but he’s never got in knowing there’s two people in the house before, has he?’

‘No. It’s usually single people living alone.’

‘Maybe he didn’t know about the son.’ Jay looked thoughtful. ‘He’s a real opportunist, isn’t he? Leave one window open, and he’s in.’

‘Usually,’ said Stacey flatly. ‘Let’s hope he’s not testing the waters, pushing the boundaries. I just don’t get why he took that picture. That shifts the whole thing up into burglary. Odd that. He’s never damaged or taken anything before, and we’ve never caught him inside a property. That’s why we’ve never been able to nick him.’ She put the car in gear. ‘Better get back and tell the skipper, I suppose.’

She and Jay had been crewing together for a month, and they’d hit it off straight away. He wasn’t like some of the younger guys, pumped full of testosterone and trying to prove themselves. Jay appreciated that she’d been in the job for nearly fifteen years and he could learn from her expertise. He was worth making an effort for. She would have liked to know more about him, but so far all she’d gathered was that he’d transferred up from the West Country and was one of two brothers and three sisters. Even Lisa Arnold, the civilian in charge of the evidence store, and who made it her business to know everything about everyone at the station, could tell her little more. She said she thought he was Hindu and was single, but that was all. It was unlike the forthright Stacey to hold back like this. Why not simply ask him? For some reason, she felt she’d be invading his privacy. Still, what really mattered was his quick smile, his empathy for victims of crime, and the cool and controlled way he dealt with the suspects they ran up against. All things considered, he was a top bloke to be teamed up with. Plus, of course, he was bloody good looking, with those white, even teeth, neatly clipped beard and the raven black hair.