‘Most likely he’ll be remanded in custody.’

‘Does that mean he won’t be coming back?’ I try to take in what she’s saying. ‘So can’t we stay here?’

‘I’ll keep you in the picture, but I think it would be wise to go away, just for a few days, until formal charges are brought against him. And I need to know the number of work days you’ve missed, as well as other occasions when he’s assaulted you in the past. I’m guessing he’s kept your medical records clean to cover himself, but the airline you work for will have logged it. Do you have a phone number of anyone I can speak to there?’

Nodding, I get my phone, bringing up the number of my fleet manager. ‘She’ll have a record of all my sick days.’ I pause. ‘Can we stay here tonight, at least? I think Niamh needs a little more time before we leave.’

She hesitates. ‘You’ll be fine if you want to stay until the morning – but I’d still recommend you move out first thing – and if I were you, I’d make an appointment to see a lawyer.’

Chapter Forty-Six

Jo

Even with mounting evidence against Andrew Buckley, I worry for Elise and Niamh. There is still an outside chance his lawyer could get him out.

When I tell the DI what Niamh said, he shakes his head in disbelief. ‘We’re holding him tonight, on suspicion that he’s connected to Mason’s business. But regardless, he’ll be charged with assault.’

‘I advised Elise Buckley that she was OK to stay in the house tonight.’

‘Fine. But we need them out first thing. We may need to begin searching the house.’

I nod. ‘They have somewhere to go. She knows we’re holding him but she’s still terrified he’ll come after her.’

‘He won’t be going anywhere.’ The DI frowns. ‘We need to talk to him again. Press Buckley on what Hollie Hampton had against him. We have to get it out of him. Between him and Mason … One of them must have killed her.’

‘About the abuse charge … Niamh Buckley just told me something. She said that just before Dylan died, she overheard their father talking to him. Basically, he told Dylan he was a worthless human being and that they’d all be better off if he was dead.’

‘Jesus.’ The DI looks appalled.