12 Earlier that morning, 9.40am.
Stuart stood back, lifted his leg and aimed the sole of his boot at the back door’s lock.
It took four solid kicks before it split and allowed him to push his way through and into the kitchen.
Julie called on her radio for immediate police backup and an ambulance.
Stuart, thinking he might have detected a very faint pulse, carefully laid Roger on the floor and began to perform CPR.
Julie stepped back outside to speak to Eric.
‘Is he okay?’ he asked, before Julie could even say a word.
‘We’re doing what we can.’
‘Oh god. He’s not, is he? I can see his legs. I can see the blood. Oh god.’
Julie took Eric to one side, out of sight of the kitchen.
‘This woman you saw leaving earlier. Can you describe her or the car for me?’
‘Uh, I don’t know. She’s ki
