‘Think about it. Two men who both disappeared unexpectedly. Somebody collected Pattridge’s belongings a few days after he left, though they didn’t bother to take them all.’ He gestured at the bag that occupied another of the Cosy Nook Tearoom’s chairs. ‘And somebody who didn’t know which clothes fitted Joseph Spraggs, or where his suitcase was kept, packed a few of his belongings to make it look as if he’d left home, not realising that the one thing he’d never have left behind was his car.’ ‘It’s possible,’ Jakes conceded, ‘though it’s a bit far-fetched, don’t you think? This is Belston, not Chicago. What with the tramp as well, we’ve got three missing men, which would mean we’re looking for a mass murderer. I ask you, is it likely?’ He drained his cup and sighed resignedly. ‘All right, what’s in the bag?’ ‘I haven’t looked yet,’ Deepbriar said, ‘I thought we’d better do it together and make it official.’ Jakes looked round at the two elderly ladies at the next table.
