Candace considered. “He’s an adult and entitled to go where and with whom he chooses. But it is odd. Jeremy Coxon seemed worried as well as irritated. Perhaps we should at least ensure that he’s not here in the Manor or anywhere in the grounds. I suppose it’s possible that he’s ill or has had an accident, although it seems unlikely. And I’d better check Stone Cottage. I’m not very conscientious about locking the side door, and he may have sneaked in after I left, to see if there’s anything there to find. And you’re right. If he’s not in the cottages or here we’d better tell the police. If there’s a serious search, I suppose it will be by the local force. See if you can find Sergeant Benton-Smith or DC Warren. I’ll take Sharon with me. She seems to be hanging about doing nothing most of the time.”

Lettie, still standing, thought for a moment, then said, “I don’t think we need to involve Sharon. She’s been in an odd mood since Commander Dalgliesh sent for her yesterday, sulky and withdrawn some of the time and looking pleased with herself, almost triumphant, at others. And if Robin really is missing, best keep her out of it. If you want to extend the search, I’ll come. If he’s not here or in either cottage, I don’t see where else we can look. Better pass it on to the police.”

Candace took down her jacket from the peg on the door. “You’re probably right about Sharon. She wouldn’t leave the Manor and come to Stone Cottage and, frankly, it was a relief, not one of my most sensible ideas. But she agreed to help me for a couple of hours a day with Father’s books, probably because she wants an excuse to get out of the kitchen. She and the Bostocks have never hit it off. She seemed to enjoy handling the books. I’ve lent her one or two she seemed interested in.”