‘It was. And I still miss them both. But I came to realise you can’t change what’s happened and have to move on.’

‘But how did you do that?’ Boon asked.

‘Through my work, and helping to bring those who caused their death to justice. You’re a good detective, Simon, and have the potential to go a long way in the CID. I think Becky would have wanted you to carry on.’

He let out a deep breath. ‘Thanks for the advice, sarge, I appreciate it.’

‘If you want to take a few days leave, I’m sure Stanley won’t mind,’ Jane said.

He shook his head. ‘I’d rather carry on working the investigation for now.’

‘OK, but don’t bottle things up. If you’re feeling down or want someone to talk to, I’m always here for you.’

‘OK,’ he said, smiling. ‘I appreciate it.’

*

Inside the station, Jane spoke with the duty sergeant and asked what hospital Thomas Durham had been taken to.

‘Queen Mary’s in Sidcup,’ the sergeant replied.

‘Has Nick Durham been informed about his father’s heart attack?’ she asked.

‘I’ve just spoken with the officer who’s guarding Thomas Durham. He’s in the intensive care ward and his son is with him.’

‘Is he expected to live?’ she asked.

‘The doctors don’t know at present. He’s in a coma.’

‘A coma?’ Jane gasped.

‘He took a turn for the worse on the way to the hospital. The doctor said the coma was due to a lack of oxygen to his brain after the heart attack.’

‘Does Nick Durham know it happened during our search?’

‘Yes, but I didn’t give him details of who you were looking for or why. The PC at the hospital said he’s very distressed and has been asking a lot of questions.’

‘What did the PC tell him?’

‘Nothing, other than what I told him to say.’

‘Which was?’ Jane asked.

‘That he didn’t know anything about the search as it was a CID matter, and DI Stanley was in charge. I hope that didn’t give away too much for you,’ the sergeant replied brusquely.

Jane could see her questions were irritating him. ‘I only ask because I may have to interview Nick Durham.’

‘I’d leave that for a while as you suits ain’t his favourite people at the moment,’ the sergeant said, before walking off.

Jane wanted to go to the hospital and speak with Nick but knew a heated confrontation with him wouldn’t do anybody any good.

It was nearly two in the morning by the time an exhausted Jane got home. After a large glass of wine and a sandwich, she went to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

*

Jane woke to the sound of her bedside phone ringing. Worried it might be an angry Nick, she was relieved to hear Lloyd’s voice.