The Hangman’s Hold: A gripping serial killer thriller that will keep you hooked. Michael Wood

you, DC Andrews, for volunteering to accompany Sian,’ Matilda said.

      ‘You should learn to keep your trap shut,’ Rory laughed.

      ‘Rory, you’re coming with me to the post-mortem.’

      ‘But I’m still recuperating from my attack,’ he said, putting on a sickly voice and, for some reason, a cough.

      ‘Never mind. Adele and Lucy are both highly trained should you have a funny turn. You couldn’t be in better hands. Now, Kes, how did you get on with the door to door last night?’

      ‘We’re going back this morning to finish off,’ she said, tucking her shoulder-length black hair behind her ears. ‘A couple of the neighbours said they saw Karen going out with the kids, then Joe left on his own about half an hour or so later. He came back after a couple of hours, but that’s it. Nobody seems to have seen anything else.’

      ‘OK. Finish the rest of the street off then start over. After a night’s sleep, they may have remembered something else. Do we know the point of entry?’ Matilda asked.

      ‘There are scratches on the lock on the back door,’ Aaron said. ‘It was closed but unlocked when Forensics were going through the house. Maybe a lock-pick of some kind.’

      ‘This is someone who knows what he’s doing, then. Rory, get the rope from the Brian Appleby murder. I want to see if it’s a match for the one used on Joe Lacey. Also, try and find where it came from.’

      ‘Really? You can buy rope anywhere.’

      ‘It’ll keep you nice and busy then, won’t it? Faith, any joy with the forums?’

      Faith looked tired. Her hair wasn’t as neat as usual, and Matilda was sure she was wearing those same clothes yesterday. ‘I’ve only just started, ma’am.’

      ‘What were you doing yesterday evening? It was still only early when we found Joe Lacey.’

      ‘I know, but I didn’t think it was worth coming all the way back to the station.’

      ‘I’m sorry?’ Matilda looked shocked. ‘This is a murder investigation. There’s no such thing as regular office hours when a body is discovered. Every minute counts. You should have made a start on the task I’d set you.’

      ‘I’m sorry, ma’am. I’ll get right on it.’ She lowered her head to her desk. The eyes of everyone else in the room were fixed on her. She blushed with embarrassment.

      Matilda’s gaze was locked on Faith while she continued talking. ‘Aaron, track down Rebecca Branson’s family. I want to know where they were yesterday and if they knew where Joe Lacey was living. Now, does anyone have anything to add, any questions?’

      ‘Are we linking the Brian Appleby murder with Joe Lacey?’ Christian Brady asked.

      ‘Not officially, but you have to admit, there are similarities. For now, let’s concentrate on finding out who killed Joe Lacey. Once we have a suspect we can try and find a link with Brian Appleby. Right, as you are all aware, the details of Brian’s murder were leaked to the press. If this happens again there will be serious trouble. We only talk about the case in this room. No gossip in the canteen, nothing on social media and don’t say a word to family and friends. Is that clear?’