James nodded. ‘I know what you mean. It could also be that she lied to us about exactly when and where this encounter took place, or if it’s the only time they spoke. Maybe they actually met up again on the jetty later on and things turned nasty.’

‘It’ll be worth having another look through the hotel’s surveillance footage, guv. This time see if we can trace Erika Chan’s movements during the reception and meal.’

‘That’s a good shout,’ James said. ‘DC Hall has been looking after that side of things and he’s still at the hotel. Give him a call now and tell him to get started on it.’

James drove while Stevens spoke into his phone. The snow was getting heavier now, big flakes falling from a sky bruised with heavy clouds. He could only hope that this part of Cumbria would escape the worst of what was to come. If it didn’t, then their job would be made that much more difficult.

The weight of the investigation, combined with a lack of sleep, was already making it harder for him to concentrate. He could feel the pressure forming behind his eyes and he wasn’t able to shake the stiffness in his bones. He was only forty-one and yet he felt much older. He knew it was the same for a lot of coppers at the start of a big, high-profile investigation. Fear of failure and the sheer magnitude of the challenge that lay ahead too often conspired to beef up the pressure.

James rubbed a hand across his unshaven chin and steered a course through the town. The snow was beginning to settle and there were fewer people on the streets.

By the time Stevens ended his call they’d arrived back at headquarters.

‘I’m famished,’ the DS said. ‘My first port of call will be the canteen. Can I get you anything, guv?’

James switched off the engine and replied, ‘If you wouldn’t mind, something warm to eat and a coffee would be great. Cheers.’

DC Isaac approached James as soon as he walked into the office.

‘I’ve got two messages for you, sir,’ she said, before consulting her notebook. ‘First, DCI Tanner called to see how things are shaping up. I gave him a summary and told him that you were out conducting an interview. He wants you to ring him when you get the chance.’

‘Is he back from Scotland yet?’

‘No, but he’ll be leaving Dumfries in the next hour or so.’

‘And the other message?’

‘An update from Sergeant Thomas at the hotel. He wanted us to know that Libby Murphy and her husband have gone home – so has Mark Slade – and the forensic sweep of the grounds has been called off for now because of the weather. They still haven’t found a weapon, though. Also, Tony Coppell is on his way here with crime scene photos and notes for the whiteboard.’

‘Anything else for me?’ James asked.

‘Yes, sir. I’ve had it confirmed that seven more officers should be reporting for duty first thing in the morning. I’ve sent out a group email informing everyone that there’ll be a briefing at nine. Does that suit you?’