‘I intend to speak to them when I go back into the hotel,’ James said. ‘I assume that’s where they are?’

Karen Cornwall stepped up beside her boss and answered for him.

‘Libby and her parents are together in the bridal suite,’ she said. ‘We thought it best if they waited for news there. I’ll take you there if you like, Inspector. I’m the manager, Karen Cornwall.’

She was an attractive middle-aged woman with delicate features and black hair tied up in a bun.

‘That’s kind of you, Miss Cornwall,’ James said. ‘But first I need to spend a few minutes here assessing the situation. And I really think it would be best if you, Mr Murphy and the guests in the grounds return to the hotel so that it will be easier for my officers to carry out our interviews.’

James expected Murphy to object, but he didn’t. Instead, he gave a resigned nod and said, ‘I suppose that makes sense. It’s time I got everyone together and brought them up to date. Karen can stay here to answer any questions you have and she can show you up to the bridal suite when you’re ready.’

He strode off then with his hands thrust deep into his coat pockets.

‘Mr Murphy is finding it hard to come to terms with what’s going on,’ Miss Cornwall said. ‘This really shouldn’t be happening on his wedding day and in his own hotel. It’s a complete nightmare for him and everyone else.’

‘Do you have any idea what might have happened to Rachel?’ James asked her.

A shake of the head. ‘I can only think that perhaps she came down here to sober up after being confronted by her sister. It’s a pretty secluded spot and on cold nights like this you can be guaranteed some privacy.’

‘Did you happen to see her during the reception?’

‘No I did not. As the manager it’s my job to make sure that things run smoothly while remaining in the background. I spent most of the afternoon in my office and in the reception area.’

‘I understand my colleague has told you that we’d like to see the footage from all the CCTV cameras,’ James said. ‘And we’ll need to talk to the staff and get guests to let us see photos they’ve taken on their mobile phones.’

‘I’m sure that everyone will be happy to cooperate, Inspector. And I’ll do my best to provide whatever information and assistance you need.’

‘Your boss mentioned the wedding coordinator, Erika Chan. I’d like to speak to her as well.’

‘That can certainly be arranged.’

As she was speaking, a white-suited figure walking towards them seized his attention. He could see that it was Tony Coppell, the chief forensic officer, and realised Tony had been one of the pair who’d been kneeling on the jetty.

James thanked the hotel manager and then quickly stepped around her.

‘I was about to come and look for you, Tony,’ he said as Coppell approached. ‘Have you got anything for me?’