The atmosphere was now electric, and he could almost feel the sparks. There were quite a few more officers, some of them in reflective yellow jackets, and the air was filled with raised voices and the crackle of police radios.

He could see what was going on before he reached the shoreline as spotlights were pointing at a small vessel in the lake about fifty yards out from the end of the jetty.

‘It’s a warden patrol boat,’ a uniformed officer informed him. ‘It got here just as one of the lights picked up something floating out there. The crew have confirmed by radio in the last few minutes that it’s a woman’s body and it’s remained afloat because it’s caught between the branches of a couple of sunken trees. They’re liaising with our own diving team on how best to bring her ashore.’

The news was like a punch in the gut to James even though it was what he had been expecting. His mind flashed on an image of Rachel’s parents and sister waiting in the bridal suite. It was going to be his job to tell them and although he’d broken such horrendous news countless times it never got any easier and the thought of it filled him with dread.

He dragged in a breath and told the officer to make sure that the hotel grounds were cleared of all civilians.

Then, as he stared out over the lake, he saw a police dinghy arrive on the scene. Thanks to the searchlights he was also able to make out a small, bright shape bobbing up and down on the water between the two vessels.

He was so focused on what was happening that he wasn’t aware that Tony Coppell had sidled up beside him until the SOCO spoke.

‘I’ve already been on to Control and requested they send a forensic pathologist right away,’ he said. ‘You’ll be glad to hear that Pam is on call tonight.’

Many considered Dr Pam Flint to be the best forensic pathologist in the north and James had a good working relationship with her.

‘At least that’s one piece of good news,’ he said.

They both knew it wouldn’t be long before the body was brought ashore. And there was no doubt in their minds that it would be that of Rachel Elliott.

‘It’s fortunate for us that she drifted into those submerged trees,’ Coppell said. ‘There are a few of them in this part of the lake apparently.’

Around them the night felt heavy and subdued. James checked his watch and was surprised to see that it was eleven o’clock already. He couldn’t believe how quickly the time had passed. Just one more hour until the country welcomed the new year and celebrations reached a crescendo.

But one thing James knew for certain was that here at The Fells Hotel there would be no kissing and cheering and the guests would not be bellowing out the words to Auld Lang Syne.