‘No. The head injury may well have rendered her unconscious or in a coma, but the cause of death was drowning.’

Jane was stunned. ‘She was still alive when Holland put her car in the lake?’

‘Yes. I found white froth in her nose and airways, as well as water in her stomach, which is consistent with death by drowning.’

‘Would Holland have known she was alive after she fell down the stairs?’ Jane asked.

Sam shrugged. ‘It’s possible she was in a coma and he thought she was dead. If he’d checked for a pulse, she’d still have had one.’

‘He said he didn’t,’ Jane said.

‘The sad thing is, if he had – or had even bothered to call an ambulance – Becky might have survived, though she might have suffered brain damage.’

‘Then technically he’s guilty of gross negligence manslaughter by failing to render any form of first aid or call an ambulance,’ Jane suggested.

*

Before they left the mortuary, Stanley made a quick call to the office then spoke with Jane.

‘I just spoke to the duty sergeant. Thomas Durham is still unconscious. The doctor said he’s in a vegetative state and may have permanent brain damage. It’s too early to tell if he’ll recover or not. Nick is with him.’

‘I’d better go and see him. I’ll ask where his father was on Tuesday afternoon.’

‘I had Boon speak to him while we were at Becky’s post-mortem. I thought it would make things easier for you.’

‘Thanks. Was Thomas with Nick on Tuesday?’

‘Yes. He was in his office most of the afternoon. The receptionist confirmed it as well. Thomas left Nick’s house at about nine o’clock. He’s in the clear over Becky’s murder.’

‘What about the arson?’

‘Lee Holland will obviously be charged. If Thomas Durham makes a recovery he’ll be interviewed and charged as well,’ Stanley replied.

‘What about Malone?’

‘He told the commissioner he was shocked to discover she had been murdered.’

‘But he falsely signed a letter of dispensation when Melissa supposedly ran away.’

‘It’s not a criminal offence. Even if we told the Pope, nothing would happen to him. Besides, we won’t be allowed anywhere near Malone without the commissioner’s approval and that’s never going to happen. Are you going to tell Nick about Holland’s confessions?’

‘Not just now. He’s got enough to worry about as it is.’

‘Do you want me to wait for you?’ Stanley asked.

‘No, it’s OK. I’ll get a cab back to the office or see if a patrol car is free.’

‘Sorry it’s all ended up in such a mess for you,’ Stanley said.

‘So am I . . . but life goes on.’

‘That’s the Jane I know best,’ Stanley smiled.

*