‘And do the family members know about what was found on the jetty?’

‘They do. I made sure I was the one to break the news to Libby and their parents as soon as it was brought to my attention. Up to that point, they were assuming she’d just wandered off somewhere or got drunk and passed out, so it came as a terrible shock. Now they’re worried sick along with everyone else.’

Abbott had to pause there to catch her breath and James could see that she was feeling emotional. It didn’t surprise him. As one of the wedding guests it would be difficult for her to remain detached or to treat it like any other case. This was personal.

‘What have you done with Rachel’s belongings?’ James asked.

‘They’re with forensics. Unfortunately, the staff member who spotted them on the jetty picked them up so they’re contaminated.’

‘And is it definitely blood on the broken spectacles?’

‘We won’t know for sure until they get back to the lab, but I’ve seen them and I fear it could be.’

‘What about her phone? You said it was in her purse.’

‘It requires Rachel’s fingerprint to unlock it so it will have to go to the techies. In the meantime, I’ve asked the manager to provide us with access to the hotel’s surveillance system. There are cameras in the public areas, including the function rooms, the main entrance and some of the corridors. There are several in the garden, but unfortunately none of them covers the jetty, which can’t be seen from the hotel because of various neatly trimmed hedges and low trees.’

‘How many guests and staff are here?’ James asked.

‘Just over eighty guests and twenty staff. Guests include relatives, friends, colleagues of the bride and members of the hotel group’s board of directors. Another thirty odd guests were due to attend the evening bash but they’re either being contacted by the staff and told not to come or they’re being turned away as and when they arrive. Most of the guests, including me and Sean, have rooms here courtesy of Greg Murphy.’

James blew out a breath. ‘Then if Rachel does turn out to be a victim of foul play, we have an awful lot of suspects to choose from.’

Abbott nodded. ‘I haven’t managed to talk to many people yet, guv. In fact, all I’ve been able to do is respond to events. I’ve told the uniforms to try to encourage people to stay in the Garden Room so that we can talk to them, but a lot are insisting on taking part in the search. Others are too traumatised to do anything.’

‘What about the divers?’

‘I made the call and they’re on their way.’

‘Well, I think you’ve done all that could have been expected of you, Jessica,’ James said. ‘Do you need to get back to Sean or can you stay by my side for the time being?’

She managed a slight smile. ‘I’m with you, guv. Sean is very much involved in the search out in the grounds. As a paramedic he wants to make sure he’s on hand if Rachel is found and needs assistance.’