Jane told him about a man matching Meade’s description going to the mortuary on Saturday morning to say a prayer for the nun.

‘He didn’t know I’d prayed for her soul. It could have been a priest he sent to the mortuary,’ Father Chris said defensively.

‘The mortuary technician said he was dressed in a purple shirt and wore a gold ring, with a large round purple stone in it. When he saw the nun’s body, he had what can only be described as an emotional breakdown. I think Meade knows who she is and was full of self-pity and regret for something he’d done.’

Father Chris tilted his head back and sighed. ‘No, no, no, this can’t be right.’

‘I know the truth can be hard to accept,’ she said gently, ‘but the evidence speaks for itself. It’s also clear one person alone couldn’t have moved the coffin. There are others out there who were involved or know what happened. And they’ve covered up the truth for at least twenty years.’

Father Chris looked miserable. ‘I know. That’s why I will do what I can to help you. Archbishop Malone is flying back from Rome tomorrow morning. Meade said he’ll probably want to speak with me on Wednesday. I can’t lie to him as well, Jane. I have to tell him everything I know.’

‘You don’t need to get involved,’ she said. ‘There’s a record of the parish priests in the archives which will prove Bishop Meade worked here. The last thing I want is for you to get in trouble or lose your job. As far as I’m concerned, this conversation never took place and you never knew about the nun’s murder.’

Father Chris shook his head. ‘There are no priests’ records in the archives . . . apart from mine.’

‘How do you know that?’

‘I spoke with Mrs Parkin on the phone just after you left. I told her I was writing an historical article on the church and needed some details about the previous parish priests. I wanted to confirm what my parishioner told me.’ He sighed. ‘The strange thing is, I wasn’t really surprised when I was told they were missing.’

Jane shook her head in disbelief. ‘Bishop Meade must have removed them. He must be a complete fool to think we wouldn’t find out he was the parish priest. My DCS is holding a press conference this evening. He’s confident a public appeal will identify other nuns and children who were at the convent. We can also make discreet inquiries with local residents. I’m sure there will be plenty of people out there who remember “Father Bob ”.’

‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘You’ve been very understanding.’

‘I hope everything works out for you, Chris.’

‘So do I, Jane. But right now, I don’t know what my future holds,’ he said darkly.