‘We’re looking into anyone who has played a significant part in Rachel’s life,’ James said. ‘And he’s definitely one of them.’

After leaving the Garden Room, James went in search of DC Abbott. He found her waiting for the lift in reception.

‘I’m glad I caught you,’ he said. ‘There’s something I’d like you to do before you go.’

‘What is it, guv?’

He told her what Greg Murphy had said about Mark Slade and how Murphy had gone to Belinda Travers’s room.

‘It upset her, which is hardly surprising,’ James said, ‘so I’d appreciate it if you could go and check on her – assuming she’s still here – to see if she’s all right.’

‘I’ll go straight there.’

‘Thanks, Jessica. And then get Sean to take you home and have a well-earned rest. We can touch base later, but I don’t expect to see you back on the job until tomorrow.’

‘What about you, guv? You’ve been at it all night too.’

‘There are things I need to sort before I can sign off, but I will head home as soon as I get the chance.’

James strode out of the hotel and got into his car. He switched the engine on and let it idle to warm up the interior while he put in a call to his wife.

‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to speak to you before now,’ he said when she answered. ‘It’s been full on without a break.’

‘I heard about the murder on the news,’ Annie replied. ‘You wouldn’t think that something so dreadful could happen at a wedding, and in such a beautiful place.’

‘I know. It’s really tragic.’

‘Are you close to finding out who did it?’

‘Not yet. There are a couple of suspects, but I fear it’s going to be a tricky one to solve. I’ll tell you more about it when I get home.’

‘Will that be soon?’

‘Afraid not. Probably early evening. How’s Bella?’

He sensed a slight hesitation. ‘I think she might have a cold coming on. She’s got a bit of a temperature and a bit of a cough.’

‘Does she need to see a doctor?’

‘Not yet, but if she gets worse, I’ll pop her along to the surgery.’

‘Keep me informed then.’

‘I will, but please don’t worry, James. I know what you’re like. I’ll take good care of her.’

‘I know you will. I’ll call later then. And Happy New Year, by the way.’

‘The same to you, my love.’

After hanging up, James sat for a while with his eyes closed, thinking about his daughter. Where Bella was concerned, he was inclined to be over-anxious. He couldn’t bear the thought that she might become ill and so he tended to panic if she cried too much, slept too much or showed signs that things weren’t progressing as they should.

Annie was always trying to reassure him that they had a happy, healthy daughter and there was no need for him to worry so much. But he couldn’t help it and he supposed it was partly due to the fact that his job exposed him to so much pain and suffering on an almost daily basis.