‘I just told him there was a space for him if he wanted to move and he decided to take me up on it.’

Imogen exchanged a look with Adrian. It was clear to both of them that Leon was uncomfortable with this line of questioning. He had become evasive and couldn’t meet their gaze.

Adrian pulled his phone out of his pocket and showed Leon a photo of the Jane Doe they had found near the spot where Simon was discovered.

‘Do you know this woman?’ Adrian asked.

Imogen studied his face for a reaction. It was momentary, but it was there. He recognised her.

‘Sorry, no. I don’t know who she is.’

‘We are trying to locate this woman as we are concerned for her safety. Any information you can give us would be greatly appreciated.’

‘I wish I could help you, but I can’t.’ He stood and walked over to his kitchenette in the corner, flipping the switch on the kettle. ‘Can I get you a drink?’ he asked.

‘It’s clear to me that you aren’t telling us something,’ Imogen said. ‘I don’t know what that is, Leon, but it’s going to come out. You could save us all a lot of time and energy if you just tell us what you know.’

‘I can’t,’ Leon said. ‘You don’t understand. You should just drop it and walk away.’

‘Are you scared of someone? Is that what this is?’ Adrian said.

‘I’ve told you everything I can. I’m sorry. I can’t say any more.’

‘Leon, what happened at Corrigan Construction? Why did you leave?’ Adrian said.

‘We just wanted a change,’ he said, leaning against the counter for support, a hint of desperation in his voice.

‘Come on, Leon. Tell the truth. We can take you down to the station and ask you questions there on tape, if you want. Or you can tell us right now what the issue was. Why did you leave Corrigan Construction? Did you have a problem with someone there?’ Imogen asked.

Leon took a deep breath, then another. He was considering his options. Whatever he wasn’t telling them was weighing on him. He went to speak more than once then thought better of it each time. His eyes were glassy and bright.

What wasn’t he telling them?

‘It was a nightmare,’ Leon said, tears falling.

‘In what way?’ Imogen said softly.

He was on the brink of telling them – all he needed was a little push.

Leon turned away from them, his eyes streaming. He wasn’t just crying, he was distraught.

‘Tell my parents I’m sorry,’ he said, his hands flat on the worktop as he breathed heavily.

A panic attack, Imogen suspected. She was no stranger to them.