Joyce checked the time. Almost midday. The weather was changing. The low clouds were depositing a fine drizzle on everything. Sergeant, get your team to search the edges of the pool."

He swung around and met her eyes. "Already underway, guv. If you don't mind me saying, any evidence will disappear if the heavens open."

"I know." She joined the others, her eyes scouring every inch.

"Over here, guv."

Gingerly, she climbed the steps leading to a stony area. "What have you found?"

A constable pointed. The ground has been recently disturbed. I reckon she fell over and lost a shoe. I've checked guv, and it is the same as the one the old woman is still wearing. Maybe she was confused; I reckon she fell into the pool. From what your old man said about the temperature, cold water shock could have killed her."

Joyce shrugged. "You might be right, constable, but to be safe, I'll wait for the autopsy report. Well done." She let her gaze cover the area. "Women of her age would usually carry a bag or handbag. Find the bag."

The wind blew cold through the area. Joyce shivered as she drew a deep breath and wondered when SOCO might arrive and take over.

"Found it, guv," shouted a thin face constable as he waded from the pool.

The sergeant bolted across and grabbed the soggy bag. "Get in the horsebox, lad. A couple of blankets are on the floor; if nothing else, it's warmer from the wind."

Joyce darted across the stone-covered ground and took the shopping bag. She pointed. "We'll check the contents over there."

Away from the pool, she placed the water-filled bag on the ground and let the liquid escape. When empty, she peered inside and removed a sopping magazine, a black leather purse and a compact umbrella. She opened the brolly, but there was nothing inside.

With care, she replaced everything in the bag. "Place this with the body."

Eric left the warmth of the Defender's cab and strolled towards her. Chief Inspector. I have a farm to manage," he glanced at his watch, "And cows to milk. How much longer do you intend to stay here."

She peered at the black clouds tumbling across a darkening sky. I was hoping SOCO might arrive, but they haven't. Thank you for your help and time. I'm going to wrap this up. Can you take us back to the church?"

He grinned. "The only way out is on the track we came in."

"She nodded. "We live and learn. I never knew this place existed."

"Why would you."

"Sergeant, get your team back into the trailer. We've finished."

"They won't argue, mam."

"Don't call me mam, or you can walk back."

"Yes, guv."

Eric secured the trailer, dashed back to the Defender and jumped inside as the heavens opened.

The Defender crawled along the potholed track as its wipers battled the deluge.

After what appeared to be an age, they stopped in the church carpark.

"Not the easiest of journeys," said Joyce. "Thanks for your time and trouble."

"He stopped the engine. "Not a great day for the old woman, but at least you found her."

Joyce shook Eric's hand. "I'll get my team to transfer her to the police wagon."

While her team shifted the corpse, Joyce, with a sigh, climbed into her car and contacted the station. "DCI Parsons. Where are SOCO?"!

"Desk sergeant, guv. Total cock up. They thought you were at the local swimming pool. When they discovered how wrong they were, we couldn't contact you. Give me the exact location, and I'll send them on their way."

"It's too late, sergeant. Whatever evidence there may have been has washed away. Will you contact the mortuary? They will be receiving the corpse of an elderly female. I want the cause of death like yesterday. I will not be returning to the station today."

"Okay, guv."

She watched as two constables carried the corpse into the back of the van. SOCO might complain that the corpse was contaminated during transfer but not loudly after their mistakes.

Cowering under a large black umbrella, the sergeant knocked on the car window. "What next, guv?"

"Take the body to the mortuary. Dismiss your team for the remainder of the day. I'm sure they are soaked and pissed off. I'll deal with SOCO tomorrow. I'm off to visit my old man in hospital."

"Your husband's clothes, guv. What do you want me to do with them?"

"It's ruined. Dump them in the nearest bin. Rupert can buy a new suit." She closed the window, started the engine and drove away, thinking for once everything could wait until tomorrow.

Her drive home passed in a blur, with her thoughts focused on Rupert. Stopping outside her house, she opened the door and raced upstairs. She shoved Rupert's clothes into a holdall as fast as she could. She was on her way to the hospital in less than five minutes. Every traffic light appeared to hate her by turning red. With her fingers drumming the steering wheel, she waited for them to change.

On the hospital grounds, she parked her Audi in the restricted area in front of the main entrance. Bag in hand, she hurried to reception.

The middle-aged woman gave her the customary smile. "Can I help you?"

Joyce flashed her warrant card. "My husband arrived by helicopter, possible hypothermia. Where is he?"

The woman's face showed uncertainty. "I'll be honest, I don't know. Let me check."

Joyce tried to smile. "Of course.?" As she returned her warrant card to her pocket.

"The receptionist replaced her telephone handset. "I've found him, Mrs Parsons. Ward eleven. Walk towards the café and turn left. You'll see signs to direct you."

"Thank you."

After walking for five minutes, she stopped a short, bald porter pushing a trolley. "Ward eleven. Is it much further?"

"He pointed and cheerily replied. "Straight along there, missus, and it's on the right."

"Thank you."

Joyce wanted to run but increased her pace.

On entering the ward, an attractive nurse with short blonde hair stopped her.

"Can I help you?"

"Mr Parsons. I'm his wife. How is he?"

"He's been waiting for you to arrive. The doctor says he can go home."

She saw Rupert, wearing a large hospital dressing gown, through the swing doors, staring out the window.

Joyce and the nurse entered the doors, swinging as they did so. Rupert turned his head and smiled. "Jane, I told you my wife would arrive with clothes, didn't I."

She pulled the modesty curtains around the bed. "You did, Mr Parsons. I'll leave you to get dressed."

She glared at him. "Don't you ever do that again? You scared the crap out of me."

He saw her eyes fill up. "The truth is I never planned it to happen. I'm still in one piece, no problem."

Tears trickled across her cheeks.

They grabbed each other and kissed as if they had been parted for ages.

"I'm glad. How are you," she asked.

"Fine. It appears my clothes kept me warm. My core temp was low, but everything was normal after a relaxing warm bath."

"She lifted the holdall and dumped it on the bed. Get dressed. I'm sure someone out there needs this bed more than you."

"You look tired."

"Not really. It's been a long, cold, wet day, and we are no further forward with your missing persons."

"You never found the pendant."

She sat on the edge of the bed while he dressed. "Not this time, but I know Julie saw it. If they are available, we could have divers search the pond."

He shrugged. "I'd prefer to search the house. But right now, I want to go home with my wife. Fish and chips or Chinese?"

'I wish I had a pound for every time you said that.