RAFFERTY DREW UP AT the Cranston’s gates, got out and pressed the intercom to identity himself. The gates swept back with barely a sound.
Caroline came out through the front door before he had a chance to drive his vehicle through the hedge to the side car park. She waved him down and told him, ‘Leave your car here, Inspector. Guy’s away in London, so he can’t object.’
Rafferty did as instructed, and was about to head for the still open front door when Caroline again stopped him.
‘Let’s go for a walk in the grounds. I’ve always liked walking at night.’
Rafferty fell in beside her. The grounds were extensive. Soon, they had breasted a small rise and left the house and its welcoming lights behind.
The April night was black as Satan’s soul, the moon and stars hidden behind a deep bank of
