‘You can be sure of it, Ron,’ he replied firmly. He pushed back from his desk to signal the distressing meeting was over. ‘I’ll need you and Stan to witness my search of the cottage,’ he said dolefully. ‘These things have to be done by the book, I’m afraid – and I shall also need a statement from Stan once he’s feeling more up to it.’

‘What will happen to Ethel?’ rasped Stan, his breathing ragged.

‘She and Olive will stay here until the duty solicitor arrives and then be quickly transported out to another station.’ He placed a meaty hand on Stan’s shoulder. ‘Do you wish to see her, Stan?’

He shook his head. ‘I couldn’t bear facing her now I know what she’s really like.’

‘I’m sorry, old chum,’ Bert murmured. ‘It’s all a bit much to take in, isn’t it? Best you let Ron get you home. I’ll follow on with Colonel White in a few minutes so we’re not all seen together.’

A very concerned Ron guided Stan out of the back door of the police station and along a warren of narrow streets until they reached the cottage. His old friend seemed to have aged, his once sturdy figure suddenly becoming frail and unsteady as they entered the dark little cottage and Stan almost collapsed into the fireside chair.

‘How do I tell Ruby what’s happened to her mother?’ he asked, staring into the empty hearth.

‘I should let Bert tell her,’ said Ron, filling the kettle and putting it on the gas ring. ‘He’s more experienced at such things.’ He found the quarter-bottle of whisky he’d brought over a few nights before and emptied it into two mugs as he waited for the kettle to come to the boil. ‘Drink this, old pal. It’ll steady your nerves.’

Stan swallowed it down in one and rested his head back in the chair, his eyes closed. ‘Thank goodness April’s working at the telephone exchange today and Vera Gardener’s looking after little Paula. I couldn’t have borne it if she’d been here to see Bert doing his search. It’s all so shameful, and I have no idea how to tell her what Ethel’s done.’

Ron sank the whisky and made the tea. ‘She’s your niece and won’t judge you, Stan. You’re not responsible for what Ethel’s been up to.’ He glanced up at the clock. Brenda would be locking up in ten minutes, and if she hadn’t found the animals by now, they’d need letting out.

‘I’ll have to leave you for a bit, Stan,’ he said, handing him the mug of tea. ‘But I’ll be back as soon as I can.’