They pushed open the door and Jane smiled at what it revealed. Ahead of them was a corridor with a name plaque on each door. The walls were covered in framed film posters and actors’ awards. On the right was a half-moon desk with four leather and chrome chairs beside it. Two girls sat behind the desk, one weighing and stamping large envelopes and one typing. Behind them were rows of files and volumes of Spotlight, the bible for all theatrical and film contacts.

The two receptionists were perched on high stools. One had bleached blonde hair with heavy make-up, glossy lips and false eyelashes. The other girl had bright red dyed hair, with matching lipstick. Both appeared to be in their mid-twenties and, rather incongruously, Jane couldn’t help noticing behind them a large wall poster for Night of the Living Dead.

The blonde girl was talking into one of the handsets of the four phones on the desk in front of them.

‘I have the details and I will pass them on to Mr. Foxley as soon as he comes in. I do know he has a very full diary for the next few days, but I am sure he will call you back when he gets this message.’ She replaced the receiver, muttering, ‘What an arsehole.’

The redhead appeared to be reading a contract. Both girls totally ignored the fact Spencer and Jane were standing in front of them. Eventually Spencer tapped the desk.

‘I’m Detective Sergeant Spencer Gibbs, and this is Detective Sergeant Jane Tennison. We have an urgent matter to discuss with Mr. Myers.’

‘Do you have an appointment?’ the blonde girl asked.

‘No, but as I just said, it is an urgent police matter.’

‘If it’s about the parking, we’ve already had someone here from Scotland Yard.’

Spencer glared at her. ‘Show me to his office, will you? Do you think you’d have two detective sergeants here in person to discuss a parking problem?’

‘No need to be rude,’ said the redhead huffily.

Perhaps detecting something in Spencer’s manner, the blonde girl got off her stool, leaned over the desk and pointed to the end of the corridor. ‘That’s his office at the end. Do you mind if I just call and tell him you’re coming to see him?’

Spencer waved his hand and gestured for Jane to follow him. As they walked away they could hear a high-pitched voice saying, ‘There are two high-ranking police people coming to see you. They didn’t explain what it was about.’

Before they had a chance to knock on the rather impressive door to the office at the end of the corridor, it swung open.

‘Yes?’

‘Are you Mr. James Myers?’ Spencer asked quietly.

‘I am.’

Spencer introduced himself and Jane as he walked into the office, forcing Myers to take a step back.