The canteen was filling up as everyone knew Tyler had called for a very early briefing. All the officers involved in the investigation were supposed to be present. Through mouthfuls of his full English breakfast, Dors complained how he’d thought being sent to Justine Harris’s property would be a welcome break from the perpetual onslaught of pickpockets.

‘They didn’t tell me I’d be digging up her effing garden all afternoon, and then I get attacked by that bloody Jack Russell.’

Jane found her scrambled eggs a little watery, so put them to one side.

‘Still, you found the bloodstained trainer,’ she said affably.

‘I didn’t, it was one of the other blokes. I found a beautiful velvet slipper, though – man’s, embroidered.’ He ate a large mouthful of egg and bacon, as a spruced-up Spencer appeared with a bowl of cornflakes. Spencer picked up a spare chair from the next table and joined them.

‘I’ve had a big breakthrough,’ he said, pouring the sugar shaker over his cornflakes.

‘Is it to do with those two financiers?’ Jane asked.

‘No, no, no, nothing to do with the bloody investigation. One of the blokes in our band taped one of our jam sessions and sent it in to Sony Records. He called me on Saturday night to say that we might have a deal. You could be looking at a recording artiste.’

Jane smiled warmly. ‘That’s terrific, Spence! I really hope you get lucky.’

DCI Tyler, with a tray of eggs and bacon, was passing and paused. ‘What are you hoping to get lucky about, sergeant? I hope it’s a bloody arrest for our case.’

‘No, sir, just something connected to my band.’

It was quite unusual for Tyler to join any of the team for breakfast, but he sat down at the adjoining table and asked Dors to pass the HP sauce.

‘Before we start the briefing this morning, Charles Foxley’s body was released from the mortuary to the funeral home and the coroner has released him for burial. This will take place at Putney Crematorium at midday today. His ex-wife has requested there be only family members. She has only disclosed the funeral time to me to avoid any press, photographers, etc. However, I myself will be going, and Jane, I’d like you to accompany me.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Spencer was munching his way through his bowl of cornflakes and waved his spoon. ‘We’ve organized a warrant and will be at Mandy Pilkington’s home this morning.’

Tyler looked unhappy. ‘She should have been identified as a suspect as soon as we knew about her business, even more so since a handcuff was attached to Foxley’s wrist. I’m sure you are all aware that I’ve been rapped over the knuckles because her premises should’ve been searched earlier and pressure put on her because she is running an illegal brothel.’