With the forms requesting the unearthing of Harvey Williamson in her hand, Joyce took the lift to the top floor and onto Rupert's office.

He was immersed in his thoughts, did not hear her enter, and jumped when the form dropped onto his desk.

"Miles away. I've never exhumed anyone before."

"You are teasing."

Rupert's face told her he was not. "Every corpse I examined was dead and above ground." There was a long silence until he sighed. "I'll assume, as it is an official form, there is an idiots guide on how to fill in the blanks."

Maggie glanced at her watch as she handed him a wad of pages. "Twelve pages guv. Five are the application forms. If we put a move on, we might be able to submit this today."

He looked at her. "I don't suppose the Ministry has a helpline?"

"Page twelve guv."

"Have you read every page?"

"I also telephoned the helpline to see if there were any shortcuts."

Rupert leant back in his chair and shoved his hands through his hair. "From the tone of your voice, there aren't any."

"Think about it, guv. We need approval to dig up a body that might not be there. We also have to disinter the deceased gentleman."

"Grab a chair, Maggie. This is going to be a long day. Rupert lifted the first page. "First problem. Which name do we use?"

"I'd use both, guv. Can I make a suggestion?"

He stared at Maggie. "Speak or forever..."

1. "Let me complete the form apart from you writing the report on the reasons for exhumation. And because it appears more authoritative, I suggest you have Julian sign it."

"That's a great idea." He lifted the forms and handed them to her. "Carry on, then."

"I have Julie assist with the legwork."

He smiled. "Thanks."

***

Maggie went straight from Rupert's office and found Julie. "Get your uniform on. We are off to see the randy Vicar to garner a ton of info."

Julie placed the stack of folders she was holding onto an empty shelf. "These can wait. Give me ten minutes. I'll meet you in reception."

"I need to make a phone the Vicar, so take your time." She drummed her fingers on the edge of her desk while waiting for the phone to be answered.

"Good morning. Ian Spence. How can I help you?"

"Morning Vicar. Sergeant Bell, I have a ton of forms to complete for Mr Williamson's exhumation, and I need your help."

"I'm sort of free this morning, but I have meetings planned for this afternoon."

"Perfect. My college and I should be at the vicarage within the hour."

"See you then. Drive carefully."

"Always do, Vicar. I have no intention of meeting my maker earlier than planned."

She heard him chuckle as the line went dead. For an instant, she peered out of the window. "Looks like it's going to rain." She signalled to Linda. "Have police work to do. If I'm not back in time, would you turn the lights out and lock the doors."

Linda nodded. "Have fun."

Maggie drove skilfully and at speed. She motored along empty bus lanes and back doubles she knew to save time. She continued until she met the narrow country road to the vicarage.

"Why were you driving so fast?" asked Julie.

Maggie laughed. "Don't you ever get the urge to break the rules?"

"I do, but don't tell my dad."

"Too much information."

She stopped in the church carpark, killed the engine, grabbed her shoulder bag and joined Julie at the entrance.

Together, they walked along the path towards the vicarage. Ian Spence opened the door as they reached the top step.

"I'm not intuitive. This is a quiet lane, and I heard you arrive. I suggest we use the kitchen table as my desk is covered with my paperwork. Come in."

Maggie smiled. "You know Julie, and the kitchen is fine."

As they followed him along the hall, he asked, "I usually have a coffee about now. How about you two?"

"Hot, Black and strong," said Julie.

"Same for me," said Meggie as she opened her bag and removed the forms for exhumation. Vicar, have you ever had to exhume a body."

"No, I haven't, and in this instance, I wish I didn't have to. The file with the details of Mr Williamson's funeral is on the one I left on the table. I hope you don't mind instant."

Julie sat next to Maggie and checked the pages to ensure they were in order.

Maggie nodded. "That's good. To save time, I'll carry on. Regarding the coffee, no problem, Vicar. Julie, please open the file and tell me the deceased's full name and date of death."

"Harvey Keith Williamson. Died from pneumonia Tenth March twenty-zero one."

"Your coffee."

"Thanks," said Maggie as she filled in the form. Would Mr Williamson's family mind if I called on them when I leave?"

Ian leant against the sink. "I wouldn't think so, but I'll give them a call and find out."

Maggie turned to Ian. "Vicar, do you see any problem returning Mr Williamson to the same grave?"

He looked at her, a frown creasing his forehead. "It depends. I'm happy to return Mr Williamson to his grave. How long will the police be checking for another body?"

Colour filled her cheeks. "Great question, and I don't know the answer. Is it a problem?"

Ian shifted his gaze. "I'm sure you know this, but the body's soft tissue will have decomposed. The skeleton will be brittle and may fragment. Hair and nails may still be present. It's not a pretty sight. The condition of the coffin will define what we must do. Its lifespan varies depending on the type of wood, soil, and climate. If we are lucky, it'll be intact, but I recommend placing the whole in another.

Maggie glanced at him. "The force will employ a funeral director and his team to care for Mr Williamson. The greatest of respect will be paramount. Our forensic team will examine what we find in the grave before and after removal. The force will meet any costs."

"Anyone?"

"Mr Williams's family has arrived. Can I bring them into the kitchen?"

Maggie glanced over her shoulder at Ian. "It's your house, but I need to see them for permission and signatures."

"I'll get them."

A dark-haired man, more fat than muscle, entered, gesturing and shouting. There was anger and sadness in the man's voice. "Where's this copper who wants my father taken from his grave."

Maggie did not move. "I'm right here, and you are?"

"I'm Joe Williamson. Who the fuck are you?"

"Police Sergeant Maggie Bell. She held out her warrant card. Please curb your language."

His face flushed with rage, and his voice rather loud. "A female copper. What a waste of space. Who's making the tera for the boys in blue? The answer is no, you can't exhume my father. Now, what are you going to do."

"Julie, we're leaving." She turned to Joe. "Vicar, I need you to witness what I'm about to say."

Ian stood next to Maggie. "Ready when you are."

"Mr Joe Williamson, your mouth will get you arrested one day. For the record, your refusal is noted. You are advised the judiciary will find our application for the exhumation in our favour. The Ministry of Justice will advise you of the date and time. Do you understand what I have told you?"

Joe met her eyes. "If the courts give you permission, I'll contest it."

Maggie stood, "You'll lose, and it'll cost you an arm and a leg. Julie."

"Where do you think you're going?? I have questions."

"Do you know it's an offence to impede a police officer undertaking her duties?"

"I don't understand."

She smiled sympathetically. "Your problem, Mr Williamson. Not mine. Thanks for the drinks, Vicar. I'll keep in touch concerning the other e3xhumations."

"Why don't you stop her digging up the dead, Vicar," said Joe.

Ian looked at him with half a smile. "There is so much you do not know. The big picture is important, and I can't tell you what it is. You act as if you cared about your father when the reality is you hated each other. Now please leave."

Joe grunted. "You people are a waste of space."

"We might be," said Ian. "But why don't you do the right thing, sign the forms, and allow the police to do what they must do? I can tell you your father's done nothing wrong."

Maggie stood. "We're wasting time, Julie."

"Okay, I'll sign the bloody form," said Joe.

"You lost your chance. This is a long-term investigation. Others will jump at the opportunity to help. When we exhume your father, please stay away, or an officer will remove you.

Julie seated herself in the passenger seat. "Are we returning to the station?"

Maggie chuckled. "Susan Shepard is next on our list. Remember him, the smart arse who you put in his place re coffee."

"Yes, he was relatively sure of himself. Open relationship man who was two-timing Susan. I think he fancied you."

"He's got no chance. I wouldn't give him the time of day or the opportunity to get into my knickers. He uses women and develops them to do as he wants, anything so long as he's on top. Bet he uses Viagra."

Julie laughed as Maggie drove into Middlefield Village.

"We're looking for number twenty, Devon Court. A Mrs Sinclair lives there."