‘Can you remember the Christian names of any other nuns beginning with an “M”?’ Boon asked.

Annette thought with her eyes closed, then opened them. ‘There was Sister Maria, at least two Sister Marys, and I think a Sister Madeline. I’m sorry, but that’s all I can remember just now. Do you think the nun who was murdered might be one of them?’

‘It’s possible. We believe our victim was between eighteen and thirty and had the initials MB. If I read the names out, could you give me a rough age of each of them?’

‘Sorry, I was ten years old . . . I couldn’t even begin to guess how old they were back then. Mother Superior and Sister Margaret looked the oldest. Sister Maria and Sister Suzanne were definitely younger.’

‘I know this is a long shot, but do you know if any of them still live or work in the area?’

Annette sighed. ‘Sister Julie does, though she’s no longer a nun. We speak on the phone and meet up quite regularly, actually. I didn’t want to give you her details until I spoke to her personally and made sure it was OK.’

‘I understand . . . and thank you for your honesty. Obviously, Julie might be able to provide some useful information. Would you mind calling her just now and asking if she’d be willing to talk to us?’

‘I’ll try but she might be at work. She’s a nursing sister at Farnborough Hospital.’

While Annette went to the kitchen to make the call, Boon checked his notes to see if there was anything else he needed to ask.

Becky let out a sad sigh. ‘It’s made me realise how lucky I was to be raised by loving parents who always made me feel wanted and safe. Although we’ve had a few big rows over the years, I can’t ever recall a time when my parents raised a hand to me.’

‘Same here,’ Boon replied.

‘Could you prosecute the nuns for assault after so many years?’

‘It would need Annette and other victims to give evidence in court. I’ll certainly be telling my superiors what she told us. Are you going to write an article about what happened to her?’

‘I feel the public has a right to know. Those responsible should be named and shamed, but I won’t write it without Annette’s approval. And I will still try and help her find her brother.’

Boon smiled. ‘You’re a good person, Becky Rogers.’

She smiled back. ‘As are you, Simon Boon.’

Annette came back and told them Julie must be at work as she wasn’t answering. She turned to Boon. ‘I’ll call her later and give her your office number. I’m pretty sure she’ll do her best to help with the investigation.’

‘Thank you,’ Boon said.

‘How did you meet up with Julie again?’ Becky asked.