‘I’ve still got a lot of my equipment in here, but I know this is very secure. Right, follow me.’

They walked to the rear of the car park where there was an iron door with a keypad. Dabs entered a code and waited, then pushed the heavy door open. Jane heard it click behind them as she followed him down a stone corridor lit by an overhead strip light.

She was taken aback when they entered a large room. One corner near the entrance had a coffee bar and a vending machine. There was also a small cooker and kitchen sink. Standing at the sink washing up mugs was an attractive middle-aged woman who Dabs introduced as Vera.

As she and Dabs chatted, Jane was able to have a good look around the large common room filled with sofas and easy chairs, and a long table with sixteen chairs placed around it. Dominating the walls were rows of awards and cups, but it appeared that the three of them were the only people there that evening.

Dabs asked Jane for her ID and took some documents over to the large table for her to complete the membership application. Jane studied the application form, which requested details of her work, medical profile and previous experience with firearms, plus the name of three references.

Dabs tapped the paper. ‘Put in here that you had experience with the Flying Squad, you had training at the academy, but you feel this would be useful further experience as there are not that many opportunities.’ He gave a chuckle. ‘For women and particularly female police officers.’

Jane finished filling in the forms as Dabs joined Vera for a cup of coffee. A tall, broad-shouldered man joined them at the coffee bar.

Dabs shook the man’s hand, then turned to Jane. ‘This is your instructor, Elliott Norman. He is also the secretary, so he can go through your documents now, while I show you the rest of the club.’

‘You’re a policewoman,’ Elliott said, turning towards her.

‘Yes, a detective sergeant.’

He raised an eyebrow and gave a slight smile. His age was uncertain because he was completely bald, but had a youthful face. He was also an impressive size, at least six foot three, and dwarfed the diminutive Dabs.

Jane was led along the length of the common room to a bolted door at the back, which went into a large locker room area. Dabs pointed out that all the members have a locker, and their own keys, as it was imperative it was a secure area. From the moment they had entered the room they had not seen one window. He took out his own keys and opened a locker, showing Jane his rifle. She was impressed and watched as he carefully put it back into the locker and repocketed his keys.