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Caroline and Dexter drove back into Oakham, skirting the town centre to head to the Wisteria Hotel. They parked up in the hotel’s car park, having stopped momentarily to let a fire engine with full sirens leave Oakham Fire Station, which was directly opposite.
Having manoeuvred her Volvo into a spot she was almost certain she wouldn’t be able to get out of again, Caroline and Dexter got out of the car and headed for the hotel’s reception desk, smiling and nodding at the doddery old gardener as they passed.
The woman on reception — Katie, according to her name badge — smiled as they entered and welcomed them.
‘No reservation, I’m afraid,’ Caroline said, showing Katie her badge. ‘I’m Detective Inspector Caroline Hills, and this is Detective Sergeant Dexter Antoine. We’re looking for s
