It was 1.30pm when Juliet and Ricky returned to the station.
‘Any joy?’ Tim asked.
‘Not really,’ said Juliet. ‘Josh Marriott wasn’t very cooperative, but I didn’t get the impression that he knew anything about Martha Johnson. Ricky and I both thought he might have something else to hide, though.’
‘I’m going to do some checks on Marriott,’ Ricky put in. ‘I meant to do it the other day, after we visited the first time. I swear he’s got form; I’d stake my life on it.’
‘Marriott told us how to find Nathan Buckland,’ Juliet continued. ‘Buckland was decidedly unhelpful, but his tale of having had to go home sick seemed to hang together.’ She paused, hoping that Ricky wouldn’t tell Tim about the peeping Tom, before adding, ‘Do you know anything about the Buckland family? They seem a strange lot. The house is immaculate, but they’re quite rough and very hostile. They run a scrap metal business.’
‘I think they’re a travelling family that’s put down roots,’ said Tim. ‘You’re right, they do run a scrap metal business, but as far as I know it’s all above board. I’m not surprised they weren’t pleased to see you: a hangover from their traveller days, probably – inbred mistrust of the police.’
‘Them and ninety per cent of the rest of the population,’ said Ricky. ‘I’m going to find some lunch. Then I’ll do those checks on Marriott. Want anything?’ he said to Juliet.
‘A sandwich would be great, if there are any left.’
‘I’ve asked Andy to bring Fabron in again,’ said Tim, as Ricky disappeared. ‘I want you to do another interview with him. There was no wallet on Smythe’s body and he must have been carrying one. We need to get a more coherent statement from Fabron in any case.’
‘You think Fabron took Smythe’s wallet?’
‘I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s lost what could have been a nice meal ticket now, hasn’t he?’
‘Yes,’ said Juliet. ‘I’ll interview him. But what are we going to do about Martha Johnson? It’s twenty-four hours since she was last seen now. You can bet Jack Fovargue’ll be on your tail again shortly. Besides which, we should be getting worried about what may have happened to her, shouldn’t we?’
‘Christ! You’re right,’ said Tim. ‘I’d better go and tell Thornton we need to start searching for her now. He’s not going to be pleased. I’ve never known a time when cases kept on multiplying like they are at the moment. I still want you to interview Fabron next.’
Tim’s mobile rang at that moment.
‘Katrin, hi, everything all right? I thought you were at college today.’
Tim listened intently while Katrin spoke, at one point smiling and saying: ‘Well, I suppose one lecture won’t hurt.’
He was silent again while Katrin carried on talking.
‘Well, it does sound far-fetched, I agree, but if you’re right it’ll give the investigation a massive boost. As it happens, Juliet’s going to interview Fabron again shortly. Shall I hand you over to her?’
He passed his mobile to Juliet: ‘It’s Katrin. She’s got some ideas about the Smythe murder. It might help to hear what they are before you speak to Fabron again.’