Dexter’s answering machine clicked on and Jane left a message to say that she just wondered how he was and if he would like a drink, but she realized how late it was so she would call again another time. She hung up, furious with herself, but at the same time relieved he hadn’t answered.

When the phone rang a few minutes later she was reluctant to answer it, but it turned out to be Spencer.

‘Well, you certainly fucked up, Jane, but I think your friend Lawrence must have got you out of the shit somehow because you and I are on the arrests at seven tomorrow morning.’

‘Thank you for that vote of confidence,’ she said glumly.

‘I’m with Tyler, and you’re going in with the pink-shirted mighty midget. It’s a covert operation, no paddy wagon or blue lights flashing. It’s about time we got a result.’

Jane tried to match his excitement, but was too busy worrying about the repercussions of her mistake.

Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Jane and DI Miller were in an unmarked car parked behind DCI Tyler and Spencer. It was 7:05 a.m. The two drivers got out and positioned themselves beside the cars, while the four officers gathered at the front door.

Tyler rang the doorbell and, after the usual cacophony of barking, the front door was opened by George Henson, eating a piece of toast.

‘We’d like you to accompany us to the station for further questioning about the murder of Charles Foxley,’ Tyler said briskly.

Henson stepped back with a frown and they trooped inside.

‘We also want Justine Harris to accompany us for further questioning,’ DI Miller added curtly.

‘Dear God, how many more questions do you lot want to ask?’ Henson asked testily.

‘As many as necessary,’ Tyler said. ‘You are both being arrested on suspicion of murder.’

Jane watched Henson as Tyler cautioned him, and was astonished at how relaxed he seemed.

‘Well, can you just wait a moment?’ He started heading towards the kitchen.

‘Please remain in the hall, Mr. Henson,’ Miller snapped.

‘All right, fine. I just want to talk to Justine’s mother first.’

He opened the door to the kitchen a fraction, keeping the dogs inside. He told Florence Harris to call McDermott immediately and to go upstairs and tell Justine the officers needed to speak to her. Florence eased her way out of the kitchen, looking distressed. She explained that Justine was in the shower and Tyler gestured towards Jane for her to accompany her up the stairs to the bedroom. Henson nonchalantly finished his slice of toast and asked if he could go and collect a jacket. Spencer was told to accompany him, and before any of them reached the top of the stairs, Justine appeared in a terrycloth robe with her wet hair wrapped in a towel.