There was a slight sound behind him. One of the young constables had retired to the ditch. The other stood his ground, but he did not look very happy.
The sergeant switched off the torch. "Nasty sight," he said. "Come along now, Henson! Easy to seeyou wasn't in Flanders." He turned to Amberley. "This was what you were looking for, sir?"
Amberley nodded.
"Who did it, sir?"
"I wasn't here, Sergeant," said Amberley gently.
The sergeant looked at him. "Takes a lot to upset you, sir, don't it?"
Amberley glanced down at the dead man. "It would take more than the murder of that creature," he said. His voice grated. "I find this rather a comforting sight. I was afraid he'd escape the noose. I've no sympathy to waste on him."
The sergeant stared. "It's a nasty way to die, sir."
Amberley walked back to the car. "Very, Sergeant. And entirely appropriate," he said.