‘We’ve met this man before,’ I say to John. ‘He is an American film producer, known as Jay.’ I fish the photo ID, issued from his production company, from his pocket and learn that his name was Jason Krist, an employee for one of the big Hollywood studios, judging by the logo in the top corner. I hand the ID to Liam who produces an evidence bag from his pocket and drops it in.

ID confirmed, I stand tall again and survey the scene as the killer has left it. I walk to the opening of the alleyway and look at the dried pool of blood on the floor before voicing my hypothesis.

‘The pool of blood here,’ I point, ‘suggests that the victim was killed with a blow or blows to the head with a heavy object at this location. Jay was a huge man, tall and wide, and it would’ve taken a huge effort to get him down. Whoever swung the hammer… murder weapon,’ I correct myself, ‘must be around the same height as him, based on where the fatal injuries are.’ John nods his agreement and the validation drives me onwards.

I take small steps towards the body, counting aloud as I go. I walk past the body and stop once I get to the point where his arms had extended to. Only then do I notice the men’s incredulous, questioning expressions.

‘The trail of blood and the cuts to his torso and knees suggest that the dead or dying body was dragged to this point from the entrance of the alleyway where I believe the initial attack took place. Fifteen small steps dragging a dead weight this size is not an easy task so I’d say the man we are looking for is at least six foot tall and either strong or very determined.’

I can think of a few who fit the bill.

15

Once the body has been removed from the alley and the tent which was erected to preserve evidence has been packed away, Liam and I have one last look around. Liam moves some of the weeds aside and glances between the cracks before moving over to the bins at the end of the alley, lifting their lids and peering behind them.

Whilst he goes about his business, I take a seat on the low wall that separates the alley from the car park and take in the graffiti. Some of it is very intricate and would’ve taken a huge amount of time and effort; some has been scrawled on the wall by taggers who have vastly overestimated their artistic abilities. I’ve never understood why it’s such a popular pursuit. Perhaps it is the need for humankind to stake a claim of ownership, to conquer, to leave a lasting mark. Perhaps it’s just a bit of fun and I’m looking too deeply into it.

I scan the brick walls and one piece of graffiti catches my eye. It has been sprayed in vivid red paint that doesn’t look completely dry. It’s quite small and I can see why Martin may have missed it.