Before going into the house, James looked around him to get the measure of the property. It was a big Georgian affair with a garden that wrapped itself around three sides. The slightly elevated location provided striking views of nearby Burnside village and the hills beyond.

As he entered the house, he saw that the interior was just as impressive, with period features including a sweeping staircase in the hallway. He called out to announce his presence and Abbott appeared in a doorway.

‘We’re in here, guv,’ she said.

He followed his DC into a large living room, which had a stone fireplace and a striking bay window overlooking the rear garden.

Libby was sitting on an armchair holding a mug of something hot in both hands. She looked at James and he saw that there wasn’t a trace of make-up on her face, which was pale and almost translucent.

She was wearing a blue fleece cardigan and jogging pants, and her long, dark hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail.

‘Your visitors have all gone, Mrs Murphy,’ he said. ‘That must have been very upsetting for you.’

She nodded. ‘It was. Mark was only trying to help me, though. But as usual he took it too far and let his temper get the better of him.’

‘How long had he been here before they arrived?’

‘Only about half an hour. He wasn’t expected, and when I told him Greg had gone out, I didn’t think he’d want to stay. But he asked if he could come in so I let him. Big mistake.’

‘Did he want to talk to you about something in particular?’

‘He wanted me to know that it wasn’t true what Belinda was saying about him and that she was the one who accosted him at the wedding.’

As James sat down on the sofa facing Libby, Abbott offered to make him a coffee. He declined because he wanted her to stay in the room and be a witness to whatever Libby was going to say.

‘Do you believe Mr Slade’s version of what happened with Belinda? Even more importantly, do you think he could be your sister’s killer?’ James asked.

Libby drew in an anguished breath and shook her head.

‘I’ve already told you that I don’t like the man and I know that he’s been physically abusive to women in the past,’ she replied. ‘But I’m sure it wasn’t him. He was fond of Rachel and when he sat with us during the meal, he didn’t act like someone who had just murdered the bride’s sister. He was also among the first of the guests to start looking for her when we told everyone she was missing. Regarding the thing with Belinda, I wouldn’t like to say who’s telling the truth. But she’s been a friend of mine for years and I know that if something or someone takes her fancy, she’ll go for it. And sometimes her behaviour has bordered on the inappropriate.’