Farah clasped her hands together. ‘I am not privy as to exactly what business he occupied his time with. All I know is he met people to do business for his employer.’

‘Are you aware Ahmed supplied drugs to Miss Pilkington’s clients?’

Farah’s lips tightened and it was a moment before she replied. ‘No, I was not. I really feel that it is time that you leave.’

Jane closed her notebook, as if she was preparing to go. She noticed Farah relax slightly.

‘Did you know Charles Foxley?’ Jane asked.

Farah hesitated a beat too long, before standing up.

‘I am aware of his name, but I never met him. Due to the reports in the newspapers, I obviously know that my brother-in-law has been charged with his murder.’

‘Do you know why Ahmed did what he did?’ Jane asked.

Farah’s composure suddenly seemed to waver. ‘He had no choice. He found out that man defiled his daughter and had paid a considerable amount of money for her to remain silent about it.’

Jane looked up. ‘How did they find out?’

‘Obviously from Yasmin. I don’t know the details, just that my sister was deeply distressed and so I came to see her, as we were both appalled. At this time my husband suggested that perhaps it was time she went back to live with relatives. Now I would really like you to go.’

‘Did Ahmed ever work for your husband in his butcher shop?’

‘Yes, in the beginning. Before he started working for . . . that woman in Clapham. Now that is all I am going to say. I think you should be aware, detective, that Ameer and I are leaving the country and taking my poor sister with us.’

Jane couldn’t conceal her shock. ‘You’re leaving without seeing your brother-in-law again?’

‘That man has only brought shame upon my family,’ she said bitterly. ‘None of us wish to ever see him again.’

‘Are you going to join Yasmin?’ Jane asked.

Farah reached out and touched Jane’s hand with her cold fingers. She then gave her an odd smile.

‘Oh yes, we will all be together again.’

Chapter Twenty-Seven

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Jane wanted to be ready in plenty of time so set her alarm for 4:30 a.m. As soon as she woke up, she showered, washed her hair and chose her clothes carefully: her usual tights, black skirt and an underwire bra, as she knew it would assist in hiding the microphone. The white linen shirt had a Peter Pan collar, V-neck and covered buttons, and instead of a fitted suit jacket she chose a heavy wool box-shaped one with pockets. She was made-up, hair perfect, and had even managed to have coffee and toast, with plenty of time to spare, knowing how obsessive Elliott was about time.