There was no easy way to approach the situation. Wendy was torn between her loyalty to the intuition she knew she had, and which had never failed her, and the overwhelming evidence before her.
‘DS Knight, will you get to the sodding point?’ Culverhouse asked, his patience wearing thin. ‘What does a saucy date with some tart of an accountant have to do with my bloody murder investigation?’
‘I think there might be a link somewhere, guv.’
‘Well I'd be a very happy bunny if you'd cut the crap and tell me what it is. I’ve got to meet the Chief Constable at ten, and I’ve not had my breakfast yet.’
‘This might sound a bit weird.’
‘From what you've told me so far, I've had more sensible dreams after seven pints of lager and a chicken vindaloo.’
‘I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't think it was important, guv. At first I didn't really notice anything. It's only in retrospect that things seem a little odd. Robert's been quite keen to find out more about the case every time we've met. I thought it was just natural curiosity at first but now I'm not so sure. He keeps asking about details, as if he's trying to find out how much we know. Then last night I was in his flat and I noticed he had a few books on knots in his bookcase. He said he had been a member of the boy scouts.’
‘Ah, well, that's it then. Got him hook, line and sinker. I'll get DS Wing on the blues-and-twos down to the local scout hut to nick the lot of them. Perhaps we can do 'em for singing ging-gang-sodding-goolie in a public place. What in the name of bloody hell are you trying to say, Knight?’
‘Guv, please give me a chance to explain. There were two books open on the coffee table. They were both open on pages about bowline knots.’
‘Bowline knots?’ Culverhouse asked, exasperated.
‘Yes. The knot used to tie the ligatures in all three of the killings.’
‘I see. Well, as you said, he's taking an interest. He probably looked it up to find out more about it after you told him about it.’
‘Guv, I never mentioned bowline knots to Robert. Or anyone, for that matter. Hell, I haven't even mentioned rope or strangulation!’
‘Has there been anything in the papers about it?’
‘No, you told us not to mention anything related to the killing methods for fear of copycat killings.’
‘I see. So there's no way this Ludford fellow could know that the murders were committed with this particular type of knot?’
‘Well, so far as I can see there is only one way.’
‘We can't jump to conclusions, Knight. There’s every chance it could just be a coincidence. It's certainly a strong lead. Tell me, how did you meet Ludford?’
‘He approached me outside a pub.’
‘He approached you?’
‘Yes.’ She deigned not to tell Culverhouse that she had reversed into Ludford's car after a skinful of whisky.
‘Right. This is all sounding a bit suss to me. I want you to keep seeing Ludford. Get more involved with him. It could be a vital way of obtaining information and closing the net in on him.’
‘You think it could be him?’
‘I’ve no idea, but it's strong enough to look into.’
‘And you want me to get more involved? With a potential serial killer?’
‘No, Knight, I want you to break off all contact, obtain no more information and leave him free to kill a load more girls. What do you bloody well think? Tell me, what are our options, exactly?’
‘Well, when you put it like that…’
‘Good. I want regular reports immediately after each meeting. I want everything recorded on tape. We'll get you fitted with a recording device.’
‘Are you sure the Chief Constable will authorise that, guv?’
Culverhouse pulled a miniature clip-on microphone and hand-held digital recording unit from his desk drawer and placed it in front of Wendy.
‘Sod the Chief Constable. I’ll sort that out later. Consider it authorised.’