‘But I should be at work at the station.’

‘Up to you, but don’t make it too celebratory. The fireworks may be over, but this is still a covert operation.’

Jane gave him a small nod. ‘Will I see you again?’

‘Sometime, maybe.’

She could feel he was eager for her to leave. There seemed nothing else to say. He passed her her bag as the driver started up the engine.

‘Got to get this truck back. It’s needed,’ he said as he helped her down.

There was so much more she wanted to ask him, but the door shut behind him.

As she got in beside the driver, Tommy called over from his mobile burger van: ‘See you again soon!’

*

As Jane arrived back at the station, she was in time to see Tyler and Detective Chief Superintendent Walker returning from the magistrates’ court, where Farook had pleaded guilty to the murder charge. Bail had been refused, and he had been taken to Wandsworth prison to await trial.

‘Could I have a word, please?’ Jane asked them both.

‘What about?’ Tyler replied with a note of impatience.

‘Er, could we speak in your office?’

Tyler sighed. ‘The boardroom. Two minutes.’

She was waiting for them nervously when Spencer walked in, looking pleased with himself. He pulled out a chair and sat with his legs either side of it.

‘Walker’s just congratulated me on all my good work. He’s going to encourage my application to the regional crime squad. I’ve never mentioned this to you, Jane, but deep down that’s where I’ve always wanted to go.’

She cocked her head to one side. ‘Really?’

He nodded. ‘You see, Jane, I have this obsession with firearms and the training is absolutely shit hot. If I’m accepted, I know it will change my life.’

Jane wanted to congratulate him but found it hard to believe his demotion wouldn’t go against him.

Before she could say anything, Walker and Tyler walked in carrying mugs of coffee. They sat down side by side opposite Jane.

‘You’ve got the floor,’ Tyler began, ‘but make it brief. We’ve had a long day and an even longer night. I, for one, would like to spend the weekend with my kids.’ He touched the bruise on his cheek, as if to underline his point.

Walker seemed more intent on the cleanliness of his nails.

Jane cleared her throat. ‘I may not have had your approval but I was nevertheless determined to uncover what I now believe to be the motive for the murder of Charles Foxley.’

Tyler sighed, while Walker just folded his arms. Spencer was the only one who looked interested, leaning over the back of his chair with an expectant look on his face.