‘I can also confirm that the Constabulary was never informed by Rachel that she’d received an anonymous threat in a birthday card. That could mean she either didn’t take it seriously or she didn’t think we’d be able to do anything about it,’ Isaac said.

James nodded. ‘That’s a good start, Isaac. I want you to spend the rest of the day collating the evidence, including all the photos and statements that come back from the hotel. We’ll need to have a full team briefing tomorrow morning,’ he said. ‘By then we should also have the reports in from digital forensics and possibly the post-mortem. And with luck we might have tracked down Salvi.’

As soon as the briefing was over James heard back from the civilian support officer who gave him Douglas Hannigan’s address and phone numbers.

‘I ran a check on his mobile, sir, and its location appeared to be his home here in Kendal.’

James thanked her then scrolled through his phone contacts for Gordon Carver’s mobile number. The Cumbria Gazette reporter answered on the second ring.

‘Well, this is indeed a coincidence, Detective Inspector Walker,’ he said. ‘I’ve just been assigned to the Windermere Lake murder and my editor suggested I give you a ring. I gather it’s your case?’

‘That’s correct,’ James replied. ‘I’ve been passing on information to the press office and they’re fully up to date with what’s happening.’

‘And I’m guessing you’re calling me either because you’re going to offer me something exclusive or you want a favour.’

‘It’s the latter, Gordon, and if you can help me out, I’ll make sure you’re one jump ahead of the rest of the press pack as the investigation goes forward.’

‘In other words, it’s the usual quid pro quo arrangement between us.’

‘Exactly.’

‘So, what do you want from me then?’

‘As you know, the woman murdered at the wedding was the bride’s sister and maid-of-honour, Rachel Elliott. Her body was found in the lake and all the evidence suggests she was attacked and beaten about the head while standing on the hotel’s private jetty.’

‘That much I know. And I also know that your team were there throughout the night questioning guests and staff. Is an arrest imminent?’

‘Unfortunately, no. But we are pursuing a number of promising leads. And when there’s a breakthrough, you’ll be the first to know.’

‘Fair enough. Now how can I help?’

James cleared his throat. ‘One of the things we’ve learned about Rachel is that she was once in a serious relationship with Douglas Hannigan, who you exposed as a drug addict last autumn, just as he was standing in a parliamentary by-election.’

‘I think I know where you’re going with this, Inspector,’ Carver said. ‘You want me to tell you if it was Rachel who gave us the photos and told us about his habit.’

‘That’s right.’

‘Does it mean he’s a suspect in her murder?’

‘Not at this stage,’ James lied. ‘But it’s an avenue of enquiry that I’m obliged to pursue.’