‘Really?’ she grinned. ‘As a matter of fact, I’ve been offered another consulting job in London when I’m done in Washington. I suppose I could consider it.’

‘Don’t get cocky,’ Baarda said.

‘Too late for that.’ She stood up. ‘I’ve got a plane to catch, Detective Inspector Baarda.’ She kissed him briefly, gently, on the lips. ‘But I expect a call every day. Just be aware of the time difference. I hate being woken up.’

‘Noted,’ he said.

‘When I get back, then,’ Connie said from the doorway. She gave a half salute, half wave.

‘Hey, any chance you could show me Martha’s Vineyard one day? Sounds like somewhere that might be good for the soul.’

‘It is,’ she said. ‘And I will. There’s no one I’d rather share it with.’

Baarda smiled and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Dr Constance Woolwine was gone.

If you enjoyed The Shadow Man, then you’ll LOVE One For Sorrow, Helen Fields’ next twisty thriller – keep reading for a sneak peak!



Chapter 1

Two women remained in the cemetery after the funeral, one above the ground, one below. Neither could feel anything.

The whole day had passed without sensation. A service, attended in huge numbers, had taken place in a church. The burial had been for close friends and family only. It had been a quiet, dignified affair. Throughout it all – readings, hymns, eulogy, the shaking of hands and slow nods of mutual regret between mourners – Detective Chief Inspector Ava Turner had tried to comprehend what was happening, and largely failed.

She knew her friend was dead. That her body was in the coffin. Never again to share a secret smile. That reassuring presence, forever absent now.

Ava had dim recollections of conversations during the day. People asking if she was okay, expressing sympathy. She felt sure she’d done the right thing, which seemed to be to smile and respond with the one of the polite half-truths mourners told one another at such times. Yes, she was fine, thank you for asking. Yes, the deceased was a wonderful woman who had made her mark on the world. No, she would never be forgotten. Yes, the tributes pouring in would have made her proud. No, she didn’t need anyone to drive her home. That final one, at least, was entirely true.

Ava lifted her head to find that, at long last, everyone had gone. Some kind person had organised drinks and canapés at their home, but it was the last place Ava wanted to be right now.

Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche? No thank you, a woman I loved with all my heart is dead.