‘I know. But that’s the point, sir. Abusive relationships can’t be understood the way most relationships can. I would imagine that, until now, Elise has normalised her abusive marriage. It’s what happens …’ I break off. ‘Just before she ended up in hospital, I had some missed calls from her. When I went to see her, I was asking her about them when Buckley turned up. I still don’t why she called; I need to go back and ask her. But regardless, she’s kept his dirty little secret about what he does to her. Who knows what else she isn’t saying?’

‘That doesn’t make sense,’ he says firmly. ‘And there’s no motive.’

‘Oh, but it does make sense.’ I stare at him, then drop the pretence. ‘People normalise the dysfunctional all the time. I was in an abusive relationship, sir. For ten years. My husband used to hit me when he was drunk or if something didn’t go his way. I never told anyone. I had this misguided loyalty to him – I was scared of him hurting me, but I was also scared of being without him. That relationship came to define who I was. He completely suckered me in, then undermined me constantly, destroying my self-esteem until I didn’t believe I was capable of surviving on my own.’

‘I had no idea,’ he says quietly.

‘I became good at hiding it. And I don’t particularly want people to know about it.’ I give him a warning look. ‘I’m only telling you because I understand how Elise Buckley may be thinking. Right now, after what he’s just done to her, I don’t suppose she can imagine a way out.’

‘We still have no idea why she’d want to kill Hollie though. Are you planning to talk to her again?’

‘Yes. I’m going to suggest she calls a domestic abuse hotline. There are several and if she seriously wants help, they’re good. But …’ I hesitate. ‘If Hollie knew something that threatened the Buckleys, I do wonder what Elise might have been capable of. Her husband’s assessment of her is fragile and unstable. I don’t think she’s either of those things.’ Watching him think, I give the DI a moment. ‘And in all this, the missing piece is still Philip Mason.’

He nods. ‘Tangled bloody web, isn’t it?’

I nod.

‘What about the connection between Hampton and Calder? Or Buckley?’

‘Maybe forensics will come up with something from Mason’s house. Shouldn’t we have a report soon?’

He nods as he stands. ‘I’ll chase them up. In fact, I’ll do that right now. I’ll let you know what they say.’

*