New Tricks2003

[first lines]

D.A.C. Robert Strickland:
Say hello to Harry Eldridge, or what's left of him. He was found near Guildford a couple of days ago, cut up and buried not far from the A3. The dry sandy nature of the soil has left him pretty well preserved, wrapped in what looked like his clothes and old newspapers.

Det.Supt.Sandra Pullman:
Positive ID, is it?

D.A.C. Robert Strickland:
Well, they found a wallet among the clothing with a credit card. Dental records should confirm it. Eldridge was a well-to-do butcher in Smithfield Market.

Det.Supt.Sandra Pullman:
When was this?

D.A.C. Robert Strickland:
Well, those newspapers are dated December the nineteenth, 1976, the day Eldridge vanished. The most likely cause of death is this: a stab wound going up into the small of the back made with a long-bladed knife. The body was cut up quite skillfully, so doctor, surgeon?

Det.Supt.Sandra Pullman:
Butcher.

D.A.C. Robert Strickland:
Mm. Quite.