He spoke clearly and with conviction, and James knew listeners would never have deduced that the truth was he and Rachel couldn’t stand each other.

The announcer went on to say that Rachel’s boyfriend, Carlo Salvi, had been detained overnight at Kendal Police Station after being questioned yesterday, and so far, no charges had been brought against him.

James was glad that the story was still considered newsworthy into day three of the investigation. But he knew that if they didn’t get a result soon, the media would either lose interest or start to question whether the detectives leading the investigation were up to the job.

Stevens was waiting for James when he got to the hospital. He was standing with the uniformed officer who’d been stationed outside Hannigan’s private room throughout the night.

‘I’ve been given an update by the doctor,’ Stevens said. ‘Our man has had a comfortable night and they’re satisfied he’ll make a full recovery. It was a combination of the blow to the head, the cocaine and the booze that rendered him unconscious.’

‘What would have happened if we hadn’t found him when we did?’ James asked.

‘According to the doctor, he might not have woken up at all.’

James flicked his head towards the room. ‘Then let’s go see how grateful he is.’

Hannigan was sitting up in bed reading a newspaper when they entered. He closed it immediately and said, ‘I agreed to see you because I wanted to say thanks for turning up when you did. Christ only knows what state I’d be in if you hadn’t managed to break in and call an ambulance.’

‘All in a day’s work, Mr Hannigan,’ James said. ‘It’s good to see that you’re on the mend.’

His face was slack, listless, and pitted with grey stubble. The bruise on his forehead also appeared to be much darker and bigger.

‘I gather you told the detectives that it was an accident and you fell down the stairs?’ James said.

Hannigan turned down the corners of his mouth and shrugged. ‘I got wasted. It was the only way to stop myself thinking about how I’d fucked up my life. Erika has left me and the stuff with Rachel will haunt me forever.’

‘So how did the accident come about?’ This from Stevens.

Hannigan blew out his cheeks. ‘Everything was fine until I decided to go upstairs and get something from my study. I can’t even remember what it was. Then I lost my balance coming down and I don’t recall anything until I briefly came to in the ambulance.’

‘You’re lucky you didn’t suffer more than a bruised head,’ James said, as he and Stevens moved to either side of the bed.

Hannigan nodded. ‘I know. And I also know now why you’re paying me a visit. They let Erika and my dad come in and see me during the night. She told me about what else Rachel said to her on the day of the wedding and also about the photos you found in my bin at home. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here.’