‘What's happened?’ she asked as soon as Rafferty had introduced himself and Llewellyn. ‘I heard all the police cars, but I couldn't come out as I've got my grandchildren staying. I've kept them in the back garden as I didn't want them frightened, much less asking questions that I suspect — from all the police activity in the lane — that I'd rather not answer. When I saw all the cars go past I knew it had to be the Raines’ house you were going to. The lane's a dead-end,’ she explained. There's only the two houses in it.’
She studied them carefully for several seconds before, in a half-whisper, as if reluctant to voice the question and hear the answer, she said, ‘Please don't tell me he's killed her this time.’
Rafferty and Llewellyn exchanged glances at this.
‘A violent man, Mr Raine?’ R
