Page 56 of Child's Play

‘We understand this is clearly quite a shock for you, Mrs Nixon,’ Kim said. ‘Is there anyone we can call?’

‘She’s on her way. The police officer called her,’ she said, revealing a hint of a northern accent.

‘Your mum?’ Kim asked.

She shook her head. ‘Lenora, Barry’s sister, she lives just down the road. She’s coming now.’

‘And there’s a family liaison officer on the way too,’ Bryant offered.

Kim nodded for him to continue as she glanced around the room. The furnishings were matching units formed of light oak. Clutches of scented candles and small cut-glass ornaments decorated the windowsills reflecting pinpoints of light on to the walls around the room.

Kim studied every photograph seeing Barry and his daughter, Barry and Beth, one of Barry and his sister but none of Beth with anyone other than Barry. No family to call and no family on the walls.

Bryant regarded the woman apologetically. ‘Mrs Nixon, we’re sorry to have to ask you questions now but can you tell us if there’s been anything strange in the last few?—’

‘Hold your horses,’ boomed a voice from the hallway.

A uniformed officer appeared behind looking apologetic. The woman who had barged in was slight but her energy was palpable.

She guessed they were now in the company of Barry Nixon’s sister.

‘What are you asking her and why? Obviously there’s some kind of mistake,’ she boomed, grabbing Beth by the hand. Beth leaned into her gratefully, clearly relieved to have someone who felt the same way.

Kim had another surprise as she realised how close the two women appeared to be. From the photographs on the wall Barry had a daughter who had graduated university and it wasn’t a child he’d had with Beth. So, this was his second marriage.

Beth looked up to her sister-in-law and then at the photo on the wall. ‘Lenora, we have to tell…’

‘We’ll do nothing of the sort. We’re not going to upset Katie for nothing. It’s not even him. Have they shown you photos?’

New hope flickered in Beth’s eyes as she shook her head and looked their way.

‘We will be asking one of you to make a formal identification,’ Kim advised. ‘However we are sure that it is your husband, Mrs Nixon.’

She burst into tears.

Kim glanced at Bryant and raised one eyebrow.

He coughed.

‘Until we have proof that it’s him I’m choosing not to believe you,’ said the sister-in-law, removing a thin lemon cardigan.

Bryant coughed again.

‘He’s far too intelligent to get himself killed. He’s a very clever—’

Bryant coughed as though his lungs were full of smoke.

Mrs Nixon stopped crying and looked over as he coughed again.

‘I’m sorry, officer, are you okay. Can I get you something to drink?’

‘Yes, please, anything.’

She made to stand.

‘I’ll do it, Beth. You stay here, sweetie,’ Lenora said, patting her hand.

Bryant shot her an amused look as he followed the woman out of the room. It was a tactic they used often. Divide and learn as much as you could.