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worried about money. She told Edna she’d been using pills and syringes trying to give herself a miscarriage, didn’t she, dear?’
    Mrs Backhouse, looking more distressed than ever, made a noise that sounded as if a sob was locked in her throat, and nodded.
    ‘We both told her to stop acting so silly,’ said Backhouse. ‘She was making herself a physical wreck.’
    ‘When did she tell you this?’ Stratton asked Mrs Backhouse.
    ‘I think … a couple of days before she left …’ She stopped and looked at her husband for confirmation.
    ‘It’s all right, dear … You can see how upset it’s made her,’ Backhouse reiterated. ‘Muriel was in a bad way. She promised she wouldn’t do anything silly, but I don’t know—’ He broke off, wincing, and bent forward to rub the small of his back.
    ‘Did you suggest to Davies that you could help his wife to get rid of the baby, Mr Backhouse?’
    Backhouse blinked several times before saying, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean.’
    ‘Davies alleges that you showed him a medical book, and said you could help his wife abort her pregnancy.’
    ‘That’s nonsense,’ said Backhouse, firmly. ‘He’s making it up.’ He pursed his lips, then took off his glasses and began to polish them, slowly, with his handkerchief.
    ‘Have you ever trained as a doctor?’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Did you tell Davies you’d trained as a doctor?’
    ‘Certainly not. It’s a lie.’
    ‘Did you show him a medical book?’
    ‘No, Inspector, I did not.’
    ‘Do you have any medical books?’ asked Stratton.
    Backhouse thought for a moment, then said, ‘I have a manual from the St John’s Ambulance. I had it when I did first aid, during the war. I also,’ he added, with a touch of pride, ‘have two certificates. But I don’t see …’ Turning to Mrs Backhouse, he said, ‘Would you have shown the book to Davies for some reason?’
    Edna Backhouse shook her head in bewilderment. She was, thought Stratton, on the verge of tears.
    ‘This is all made up,’ said Backhouse. ‘I don’t know why he’s saying these things.’
    ‘I understand,’ said Stratton soothingly. ‘I’m sorry we had to disturb you, but that’s everything – at least for the time being.’
    ‘It’s no trouble, Inspector.’ Backhouse began to struggle out of the deckchair, but Stratton put up a restraining hand.
    ‘Don’t worry, we can see ourselves out.’
    ‘Thank you, Inspector. If there’s anything else, we’re always glad to oblige.’
    ‘Nice dog,’ said Stratton, as they made their way back to the station. ‘Didn’t see her before. You certainly couldn’t hide a body in there for three weeks without her knowing about it. Even if you buried it in the garden she’d have it up in no time.’
    ‘Unless she’s lost her sense of smell,’ said Ballard. ‘If that’s possible.’
    ‘Never heard of it,’ said Stratton. ‘What do you think of the Backhouses?’
    ‘She seems a bit cowed by him, doesn’t she?’
    ‘Well, he certainly did the talking for both of them, but that’s not unusual – not where we’re concerned, anyway – and she’s obviously pretty bothered about the whole thing, which is understandable. What a mess … I don’t know about you, but last timeI looked at a St John’s Ambulance handbook, it didn’t say anything about how to perform an abortion.’
    ‘Another fairy story, sir.’
    ‘Seems like it. Anyway, we need to know what the hell is going on, and I think it’s high time we brought Davies to London. We can have him for that briefcase, if nothing else – I’d be willing to bet a hefty sum that it’s been pinched. I’ll speak to DCI Lamb when we get back.’
    Ballard grimaced. ‘Best of luck with that, sir.’
    ‘Thanks,’ said Stratton. ‘I’ve a feeling I’m going to need it.’

Chapter Six
    DCI Lamb let out a gusty sigh. Stratton was familiar with the man’s repertoire of noises indicative of exasperation and forbearance, and