The house at 101 Heathcote Road appeared to be reverting to some sort of sense of normality as DCI Culverhouse inspected the photographs on the mantelpiece for the umpteenth time that week.
‘Mrs Levy, I know you're going through a lot with your daughter, but I need to ask you a question about a case which may be linked. Did you know a Bob Arthurs?’ he asked.
Miriam Levy's eyes darted to the side, her chest visibly shuddering at the sudden intake of breath.
‘Mrs Levy? Did you know Bob Arthurs?’
‘I … Yes. I did.’
‘I need to ask this question, I'm afraid. Were you having an affair with Bob Arthurs?’
Miriam's eyes shot towards Darren Parker, who nodded at her, only just perceptibly. She turned her head back and lowered her chin towards her chest.
‘Yes. Yes, I was.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Levy. Being open and honest is by far the best way to deal with these things. I just wish you’d mentioned something earlier. Now, do you know of anyone who would want to see Bob Arthurs dead?’
‘No. I mean… Well, no.’
‘Mr Parker, you knew about the affair?’ Culverhouse asked, turning to address Darren.
‘Yes. Well, only since he died. Miriam told me everything.’
‘And you had no reason to want Bob Arthurs dead?’
‘Of course! I had every bloody reason. Only problem is, he was already dead by the time I knew what had been going on.’
‘I see. This is an awkward question, Mr Parker. Mrs Levy. But do you know of any reason why Danielle would want to kill Bob Arthurs?’
‘God, no!’ Darren Parker bellowed. ‘My step-daughter is lying in a cold, shallow grave and all you can do is accuse her of murder?’
‘I’m not accusing anyone of anything, Mr Parker. I'm trying to find out who killed Bob Arthurs and who killed Danielle Levy.’
‘Well you'll not get any closer to the truth by hunting around here,’ Miriam Levy said quietly, as if trying to tell Culverhouse something.
Nodding gently, Culverhouse made his excuses and left the house.