‘Depends on the foundations. They start with ground-penetrating radar and then go from there. As long as it’s thin enough, the radar can usually get a pretty good read on what’s underneath. If there is any digging or drilling, you will be asked first and you will be compensated for any damage to the property. Apart from the cellar, is there anywhere else that you can think of?’ Walsh said.

‘No, I mean there is a sizeable garden out back, but it’s very well established. The garage we had converted doubled the size of the kitchen. The builders had to reinforce the foundations; they would have found something then if there was anything there, I think. Whatever you need to do, you just go ahead. I would rather we knew for sure.’

Imogen nodded to Walsh to one side, indicating she wanted to speak to him away from prying ears.

‘What do you think?’ Imogen said.

‘Sounds like Corrigan wanted to get out of here fast,’ Walsh said.

‘My thoughts exactly. Let’s hope the radar gives us something we can nail this piece of shit on,’ Imogen said.

Chapter Sixty-Five

Adrian pulled up outside Cameron Becker’s property, the director of Hatfield Homes, at DCI Kapoor’s request. An old rectory house on the outskirts of St Leonards in Exeter. It felt strange to be conducting an interview without Imogen and even stranger to be alone.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, ignoring the anxiety that made him want to turn around and drive away. If he couldn’t do something like this then what use was he?

The door opened a crack, the chain on. A man looked through the gap and Adrian pulled out his warrant card to show him. The door closed and Adrian heard the man remove the chain before opening it again.

‘I’m DS Miles. I’m looking for Cameron Becker.’

‘I’m Cameron Becker. How can I help you?’ the man said.

‘I need to speak to you about any dealings you may have had with Corrigan Construction, namely with Reece Corrigan,’ Adrian said.

‘I’m afraid I don’t know the man,’ Becker said, clearly lying.

Adrian wasn’t sure if he was projecting, but he could have sworn the man tensed as soon as he said Corrigan’s name.

‘We are currently investigating his business. I don’t suppose you know anything about bid rigging?’

‘I don’t,’ Becker said, clutching the door, seemingly desperate to close it.

‘We’ve heard some rumours about Mr Corrigan, about people around him getting hurt. Do you know anything about that?’ Adrian continued.

Cameron Becker peered up and down the road before leaning towards Adrian with a look of what can only be described as terror on his face.