He nodded. ‘I’m aware that in the UK, criminal profiling is not seen as particularly relevant, but eventually time will rectify that. In my estimation it is, and will continue to be, essential in all murder investigations.’

He walked away with a smile Jane thought a little arrogant.

By the time she had filed the report, then passed a copy to one of the clerks to give to Tyler, it was almost time for the briefing in the boardroom. On her way there she bumped into a disgruntled-looking Spencer.

‘I hope this bloody briefing won’t take long. I need to get home for my crisis meeting with the in-laws.’

Their conversation was cut short as the officers began to fill the seats around the boardroom table. DI Miller walked in and sat at the far end, with his tape recorder and neat array of tapes. He proceeded to pass round the table the typed-up transcripts that a secretary had worked on since his return to the station. He glanced at his watch with a frown. The last to arrive was Tyler, who was beginning to look jaded and clearly needed a shave. He sat down next to Miller and nodded to the young DC to shut the door.

‘Right, we’ll make this as brief as possible. As you may be aware, we have already lost the very helpful DCI Collins and the FBI agent Harry Bellamy, who have both assisted our investigation to date. We have had a report in from the laboratory, and although tests are still being carried out, they are certain that the one trainer brought in by DS Jane Tennison is the left size six that will match the right bloody footprint. But we are still testing the bloodstains on the coat owned by the ex-Mrs. Foxley. We have confirmation that the cocaine brought in is of a very high quality. There is also a residue of cocaine on three rolled-up twenty-pound notes. The drinking glasses brought in from the deceased’s bedside table are being tested for prints. The video cassettes are being reviewed, but they are all hardcore porn, along with pornographic magazines. We are also, at this time, checking through the many documents brought in by DS Tennison, which were removed from a desk drawer in the deceased’s bedroom. We will be able to give further details on the various receipts and on a small leather-bound notebook, but not until tomorrow. I would now like you all to read the transcripts and pay attention to DI Miller as he walks you through each section.’

Jane and Spencer had to share a transcript between them as there were not enough to go around.

Miller, Jane noticed, had changed his shirt and was now wearing a fresh blue shirt without the usual white collar and cuffs.