“This is it,” he said. “This is the big one. After years of carrying crap, we’ve finally got us a job that’s going to change our bank accounts and bloat our pensions.

In his head, this all made sense. The next-door neighbour’s garden was the goal – just a simple chip to cover four yards and a metre fence in the middle. Easy.

The killer should be here." Jerry tapped the screen with a knuckle. "But he's not.

Thomas stepped into the bar room. His clothes soaking, his hair flattened to his head. “There’s something out there,” he said. William turned with poker in hand, his brow furrowed. “What’s out there?” “I don’t know,” said Thomas.

The crowd murmured as the rope was placed around the victim’s neck. It was at that moment the boy started crying. ‘Mummy, do something. I don’t want to die.’