As Jane stood to acknowledge him, he gave a curt bow of his head.

‘I think DCI Tyler is expecting me.’

Before Jane could put in a call to him, Tyler opened his office door. Miller hurried over, and McDermott gestured for him to go ahead of him into the office.

I’d like to be a fly on that wall, Jane thought to herself.

‘Come in, please,’ Tyler said cordially.

McDermott opened an expensive monogrammed leather notebook. He declined coffee or tea, feeling it imperative they quickly come to an agreement.

‘Gentlemen, firstly let me say that any assault charge against Ms. Harris would not be appropriate. It’s a matter of record that she has psychiatric problems for which she is on medication, and I do not think it advisable that she be brought back into the station for further questioning. That would clearly be detrimental to her health.’

Miller couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

‘Well, I can tell you, Mr. McDermott, that interviewing Ms. Harris has been detrimental to my health. But we still have a number of unanswered questions and Justine Harris still remains a suspect in the murder of her ex-husband.’

‘I am very aware, Lucas – may I call you Lucas, Detective Inspector Miller?’

Rather taken aback by McDermott’s pleasant tone, Miller nodded.

‘Lucas, you have an impressive career and are a very well-regarded officer. I also agree Ms. Harris needs to be re-questioned, but my primary concern is for her wellbeing. I am asking if you would, in this instance, agree to interview Ms. Harris at her residence.’

McDermott continued before Miller could answer.

‘Obviously time is of the essence; I am able to delay meetings at my chambers and could be with you for a meeting with Ms. Harris at midday today.’

Tyler glanced at Miller and gave a small nod, encouraging him to agree.

McDermott closed his notebook. ‘I do think, Lucas, it would be perhaps advisable if Detective Sergeant Tennison accompanied you. It would, I am sure, be a calming influence on my client.’

‘Let’s do it now,’ Miller said curtly.

‘I do apologize, Lucas, but I am due to have a meeting with the Chief Justice’s department, so if you could make it for midday, I would be most grateful.’

Miller hesitated for a moment, then gave a small shrug of his shoulders. ‘Twelve it is then, Mr. McDermott.’

*

Spencer came over to Jane’s desk. ‘Come on, the car’s waiting.’

Jane stood up ‘You just missed McDermott. Apparently he’s talked Miller out of pressing assault charges but he’s now agreed to another interview with her and I’m to be present. Midday at her home.’

‘We better get a move-on, then,’ Spencer muttered.