‘The thing is, Lee, we had the bakery examined by a fire investigator. Even after all these years he was able to tell it was a case of arson. In his expert opinion, someone poured oil from a paraffin heater in three separate areas and set light to it.’ Jane noticed Lee’s eyes widen. ‘The Mother Superior and the sisters at the convent had nothing to gain by setting fire to the outbuildings – whereas you and Thomas Durham had everything to gain. So, my question is, did you set light to the bakery?’

Lee’s lips began to tremble, and he put his head in his hands.

‘You wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for Thomas Durham. Everything dishonest he’s asked you to do has now ruined your life.’

Lee looked up at Jane. ‘Yes, I started the fire.’

‘Tell me Thomas Durham’s part in it all.’

‘The Mother Superior told Tom the diocese was concerned about the cost of the constant repair bills and she was worried they might close the convent. Thomas went behind her back and spoke with the bishop. He said if the Church ever put the convent on the market, he’d be interested in buying it. The bishop said the Church didn’t want to sell just yet, but if and when they did, he’d give Thomas first refusal.’

‘Was that Bishop Malone?’

‘Yes. We figured if the outbuildings were destroyed by fire, the Church wouldn’t repair them and it’d be forced to sell. I snuck into the bakery late at night and set light to it. Thomas then overinflated the quote to repair the buildings.’

‘DC Boon will read over the questions we asked and your answers,’ Jane said. ‘If there’s anything you want to add or change, then tell him before you sign his notes.’

Jane went to see how Stanley was getting on with the search and found him in the hallway.

‘He’s saying Becky fell down the stairs. He’s either telling the truth or he’s a bloody good liar.’

‘I was listening by the door. That was a good interview, Jane. Connecting Lee and Thomas Durham to the arson was brilliant. I really thought it was Meade.’

‘So did I at first. It doesn’t look like they murdered Melissa Bailey. If they had, I can’t see them putting her in a coffin, then having it buried in the convent grounds. It also looks like Thomas Durham wasn’t at the house when Becky died,’ Jane added.

‘Holland could be covering for him. We need to speak to Nick Durham about his father’s alibi.’

‘I’ll do it after the post-mortem,’ Jane said.

‘Are you sure? I don’t mind speaking with him,’ Stanley said.

‘I’ve got to face Nick at some point – though I suspect he won’t want anything more to do with me,’ Jane said sadly.

Chapter Thirty-One

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE