Swallow gritted his teeth. Kelly had done his homework very thoroughly. He knew the layout of the Exchange Court building in detail and the functions of every room and office. In all probability someone within the G-Division had been rewarded for the information.

‘I’ll accompany the team searching the storage and public areas,’ he told Kelly. ‘Detective Sergeant Mossop will go with the team searching the offices. Detective Feore will go with those searching the dormitory and the recreation area.’

Kelly nodded to the two that Swallow had identified as police.

‘You go with Mr Swallow.’

He led them down the stairway to the public office. Earlier, he had ensured that every filing cabinet and drawer in the office was unlocked and ready for inspection. He jerked his head to the G-man on duty.

‘We need to close the front door for a while. You can divert any callers down the Lower Yard to the back entrance while this is going on.’

He gestured around the room.

‘There you go. Everything is unlocked. Any questions, just ask me.’

The older of the two men gestured apologetically.

‘Look, you should understand that we don’t like doing this one little bit.’

The accent was English. London.

‘We’re coppers, like you. Special Irish Branch, New Scotland Yard. Seconded to work with Kelly. We’re in this together, you know. The name’s Tom Evans. This is Denis Coombes.’

‘You’re not together with me in anything, Mr Evans,’ Swallow replied coldly. ‘You’re English. I’m Irish. And the only reason I’m in your company is because you have a warrant.’

‘Come on, Swallow,’ Evans said impatiently. ‘Kelly’s our guv’nor while we’re here. He told us, “Swallow knows where they are, these bloody logs.” So let’s stop wasting time. We’re not going to start rummaging in these cupboards because we know the damned things aren’t here. But we’ll get them in the end. So save yourself and us a lot of trouble.’

‘So Major Kelly is a clairvoyant as well as all his other talents,’ Swallow sneered. ‘You’re fortunate to work for such a remarkable individual.’

Evans shrugged.

‘Have it your own way, Swallow. But you might be interested to know that Major Kelly has put up a reward of a hundred quid for whoever turns in these bloody books. Imagine, a hundred quid. Half a year’s pay. Up front. Denis and me, we’d be happy to split that three ways with somebody who’d be helpful, if you get my drift.’

Swallow felt his anger rising.

‘Offering an inducement to a police officer is a serious offence, Mr Evans. Maybe they don’t think so at New Scotland Yard?’

He saw anger rise in Evans’s eyes.