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Singleton.
    ‘So, PC Singleton, you were the first to meet that man. What do you make of him?’ asked Pluke.
    ‘He seems very genuine to me,’ returned the constable.
    ‘You are new to this kind of major enquiry?’ asked Pluke.
    ‘I’ve never been on a murder enquiry before, sir.’
    ‘Then I hope you can learn from this experience. The first thing to appreciate is that I have not yet confirmed this is a murder enquiry but in spite of that, we shall mount a murder-type investigation. The next thing to learn is that the person who finds the body is automatically a prime suspect, an important fact which the investigating officer must bear in mind. We shall examine Mr Wardle’s life, movements, personal friends and contacts in very great detail. I must admit he could have killed her – a middle-aged man not married… his sex life must inevitably be of interest to us – but before we tear his life apart, we need to have the scene photographed as it is now in advance of the arrival of our forensic pathologist. Can you call Sergeant Tabler and ask him to come here? He’s waiting at the entrance.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    ‘Before you go, PC Singleton, note the condition of the grave. At the moment, it is virtually as it was discovered. Once the forensic pathologist arrives, he will eventually brush away the remaining earth. He will change the appearance of the grave and of its sad occupant. So I need to have everything recorded on film as we see it at this very moment. Now, as you were the first police officer to arrive at the scene, will you inform the coroner on my behalf? Do it through the control room, give him my compliments and ask if he will approve a post-mortem examination.’
    And so began Detective Inspector Pluke’s formal murder-type investigation.

 
    Chapter Three
     
    As Pluke awaited the pathologist, Wayne Wain returned, having interviewed Michael Wardle and released him.
    ‘Well, Wayne, what do you think of Mr Wardle?’ asked Pluke.
    ‘An honest man, I believe, sir. An ordinary fellow who happened to find a person dead in suspicious circumstances. It happens all the time – lots of murder victims and suicides are found by ordinary people.’
    ‘He’s not a suspect, you feel?’
    ‘I don’t think so, sir. But I do appreciate his background will have to be researched.’
    ‘That’s a good job for one of our incident room teams when we assemble them. Now, PC Singleton,’ and Pluke addressed the constable. ‘I understand this quarry is owned by Eric Burholme, who also owns the adjoining farm. He was in Crickledale when I left to drive here, so he is not aware of our presence or the reason for all this unseemly activity on his land. Can I ask you to inform him when he does return?’
    ‘He is back, sir, just. He drove in minutes ago. I explained matters to him and assured him we’d keep him informed of developments. He raised no objections to our presence and said he would be around the premises all day if we wanted to talk to him. This farm is on my beat, sir, as you know; I am known to him.’
    ‘Yes, indeed. So what do you know of Mr Burholme?’
    ‘Not a great deal, sir, he keeps himself very much to himself, although he is widely known as a philanthropist, a regular supporter of charities and good causes.’
    ‘I believe so,’ nodded Pluke.
    The constable continued, ‘Although he runs a thriving farm machinery hire business, he’s not one for unnecessary socialising. Because he doesn’t keep livestock, I rarely have to visit his farm. He’s lived here a long time, sir, he came to the area long before I was posted here. Before I was born, in fact.’
    ‘And he lost his wife, I understand,’ commented Pluke. ‘He lives alone?’
    ‘Yes, sir. She died some years ago, before I was posted here, and there is no new wife or partner. He is well regarded locally, sir, everyone agrees he is a very nice man and I know nothing against him. He’s never given me cause for