Now that The Fells Hotel was basked in bright winter sunshine it was hard to imagine that something so terrible had happened there.

It looked so warm and welcoming, with its striking red brick façade, extended chimney stacks and smart dormer windows. Not to mention the stunning backdrop of the lake and the distant fells.

‘This has to be one of the most spectacular venues in the whole of Cumbria,’ Abbott said as they approached it. ‘It’s easily the most impressive hotel in the Murphy chain.’

‘Will you be getting married in one of them?’ James asked.

‘You’ve got to be joking, guv. We’re opting for the registry office followed by a reception at the local pub, and even that will cost a tidy sum.’

There were no longer any reporters, photographers or news satellite trucks outside the entrance but there was a uniformed officer who waved them through when he saw who was in the car.

‘Any idea how many of us are still here?’ James asked as he parked up.

‘Less than ten, I believe, plus a couple of SOCOs who are finishing up,’ Abbott replied. ‘I should think we’ll be pulling out altogether by the end of the day. The guests have all gone home and there’s no point having people here if they’ve got nothing to do.’

The reception area was very different to how it had been when James was last here. The Christmas tree had been taken down and staff were busy removing decorations.

They crossed over to the front desk and James showed his ID to the receptionist and asked her if he could speak to the manager.

‘Miss Cornwall is in her office,’ she said. ‘Would you like me to tell her you’re here?’

‘Don’t worry. I know where her office is so we’ll make our way there.’

The door to Karen Cornwall’s office was open and she was sitting behind her desk shuffling through paperwork. When James tapped on the door she looked up and waved them in.

‘I didn’t expect to see you today, Inspector,’ she said, rising to her feet. ‘I spoke to Greg only a short while ago and he never mentioned that you were coming.’

‘It wasn’t planned,’ James said. ‘We were in the area so I thought we should drop by to check on how things are going. Is Mr Murphy here then?’

She nodded. ‘He’s holding an impromptu board meeting on the first floor. It’s been going on for most of the morning. Do you need to speak to him?’

‘Not right now. Which member of our team have you been liaising with?’

‘Sergeant Thomas. He told me he doesn’t expect to be here much longer.’

‘And do you know where he is now?’

‘He was making notes in the lounge when I last spoke to him.’

James asked Abbott to go and let the sergeant know they were here and find out if he had anything new to report.

Turning back to the manager, he said, ‘Have you been here the whole time, Miss Cornwall?’