Corrigan smiled with an extreme confidence that put Adrian’s concerns and behaviour in perspective for her. She really wanted to knock this guy’s teeth out.

‘Where’s Jimmy Chilton today?’ Imogen said.

‘He’s got the day off. By all means feel free to go and speak to him, though. I am sure he will tell you exactly what I have told you about that waste of space Thompson.’

‘Don’t leave town, Mr Corrigan,’ Walsh said.

‘Tell your other friend I hope he feels better soon,’ Corrigan said to Imogen.

She walked away before she did anything she regretted. The sheer arrogance of the man was completely staggering. He knew they had nothing. He had all the power. Not for long, if Imogen had anything to do with it.

Chapter Fifty

When Imogen arrived at Jimmy Chilton’s house with Walsh, they had to ring the doorbell several times before there was a response. His car was parked alongside the house, in front of the garage. He looked behind them, past the front gate and at the road, checking for something or someone before ushering them inside.

Without even asking, Imogen could tell he lived alone. It was a clean and tidy place but there was something missing. Just like in her house, she supposed. You could tell when a person only had themselves to look after. He had a photo of himself with a couple of teenagers on his wall, grown-up children, no pictures of a wife anywhere. It was an old photo – she could tell by the plumpness in his face that had all but disappeared now.

‘What is it you want?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know what kind of man you are, Mr Chilton, what kind of person,’ DI Walsh began. ‘We believe your boss was involved in the murder of Simon Glover. Whether or not he did it himself is another question, but so far we have found plenty of people who have told us he is no good but no one willing to elaborate.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘So, you’re happy with the way he does things? Or are you just scared of having an accident at work if you speak up against him?’ Imogen pushed.

‘He’s a tough boss but no, I’m not scared of him,’ Chilton said unconvincingly.

‘What are your thoughts on Angela Corrigan?’ Walsh said.

‘Nice woman, no real thoughts beyond that,’ he said, avoiding eye contact.

‘You’ve never seen her with a black eye? Or worse? I don’t believe that for a second; I only met her a few weeks ago and I’ve seen it more than once. Is that kind of thing OK with you?’ Imogen said.

‘Look, I don’t know about that. Angela doesn’t come to the site very often and I don’t poke my nose where it doesn’t belong.’

‘How long have you known Reece Corrigan?’ Walsh said.