‘Did she ever express any concern to you that she was in trouble or being followed?’ Baarda said.

‘The only thing she ever told me was that if her husband found out, he’d kill her. He’s one of those public-school rugby-player types who don’t appreciate anyone else touching their stuff, like she were his new car or his yacht. I’ve got to be honest, when I first heard she was missing, I was a bit worried it might have something to do with her old man. To be fair, I wouldn’t want my wife messing around behind my back.’

‘Are you married, then?’ Connie asked.

Nick swung round and lifted his chin a fraction higher. ‘Why, you interested?’

‘You don’t seem very upset or concerned about Mrs Dunwoody. Were you affected by her abduction?’ Connie said.

‘She’d already broken up with me by then. Did you expect me to be sitting around crying?’

‘Were you angry with her for that?’ Connie continued.

‘You trying to set me up for this, is that what’s happening?’

‘No, Mr Bowlzer, we’re not. Did you tell anyone else about the affair, anyone who could have used it to their advantage to catch Mrs Dunwoody off guard and insist that she meet them to talk, for example?’

‘No one knows.’ He crossed his arms.

‘Not one single other person is aware of it?’ Connie checked.

‘Well, someone must be, as you lot found me. Now who would that have been?’

‘We can’t reveal that information, I’m afraid, but obviously if the disclosure didn’t come from you, it’s possible that it came from Mrs Dunwoody herself,’ Baarda said.

‘Hmm,’ he said. ‘She wasn’t happy, I know that much. She had the money, the big house, the family, but she always felt like something was missing. Maybe she just ran off and doesn’t want to be found.’

‘All right, Mr Bowlzer. We might need to speak with you again. I’d like you to try to remember the dates and times when you were with Mrs Dunwoody and any phone records that might be relevant. I’ll be sending officers round to take a statement from you.’

‘Yeah, you know, could I come into the station to do that?’ Nick leaned forward, legs together now. ‘I mean, that would just be easier. I’m in a relationship.’

‘Lucky girl,’ Connie said.

‘Of course,’ Baarda said, handing over a card. ‘Call me to arrange it. I’ll expect to hear from you in the next day, though, otherwise your home address will have to do.’

Nick didn’t bother with goodbyes, letting the door slam shut as he walked out.

‘So it wasn’t just a one-off,’ Connie said. ‘Poor Darpana.’