‘Spence, we really need to talk to him about his daughter, and perhaps have a quick moment with Tyler and show him what I found in the room I believe was her bedroom.’

Spencer had a quick look. ‘I’m not sure what that all means, but I’ll show Tyler anyway.’

Jane wished she could listen in to what was going on in the interview room, but she knew, like everyone else, she would just have to wait for the outcome.

At least they knew they had their killer.

*

Farook had been brought back by two uniformed officers. He remained calm, as if he was actually relieved to have offloaded the burden of his crime. He had accepted only a glass of water and sat facing the two empty chairs, waiting for Tyler and Spencer to return. Outside the door, Spencer showed Tyler the note.

‘Not sure what it adds up to, sir.’

‘So the daughter’s not there,’ Tyler said.

Spencer shook his head. ‘According to Jane, she may have lived in a small box room, but it’s been stripped bare and the note had been tucked into the bottom of a wardrobe.’

Tyler pursed his lips. ‘Right now, the important thing is that he’s admitted he did it. We just need him to tell us why, and to go through what happened in the flat, step by step.’

‘Guv, Jane thinks it’s got to be connected to his daughter.’

Tyler was losing patience. ‘Right now, Spencer, I’m not interested in what she thinks. We have to go with the evidence we have to progress things further.’ With that, he opened the interview room door and they both walked in.

Tyler repeated to Farook that he was still under arrest and read him his rights again. Once again he asked if he required a lawyer and Farook said no, even when Tyler told him that Mandy Pilkington had offered to pay for one. Farook, who rarely lifted his eyes to look either man in the face, stared down, clasping his hands over his belly like a Buddha. Spencer reminded himself that this tubby, congenial-looking man had the strength to carry Michael Langton up and down stairs.

Farook stared at his clasped hands in front of him. ‘I’ve already told you that Miss Pilkington has been very kind to me. All I did in return was maintain the property as best as I could and drive her whenever required. And I drove her clients when she asked.’

‘Did you ever drive Mr. Foxley?’ Tyler asked quietly.