‘Yes, I did. He was such a charming man. He invited several residents to his house-warming drinks. It was beautifully catered and he served cocktails in the small garden, and so any ill-feeling that anyone had about the building works soon evaporated.’

‘Thank you very much. You’ve been very helpful.’ Jane hesitated. ‘Do you recall how long ago Mr. Foxley moved into his flat?’

‘I don’t have the exact date, but it would be at least a year ago. I was rather surprised, to be honest, because Mr. Martinez had spent so much time and money on his renovations.’

‘Do you recall the name of the estate agent that handled the sale?’

‘No, there was no board put up. I think it was a private sale. Are you sure you wouldn’t be tempted by a nice glass of sherry?’

Jane was eager to get home as it was almost ten p.m. ‘Thanks, but I need to get going.’

As she was heading towards her car she saw, towards the end of Onslow Square, the uniformed police officer standing outside Charles Foxley’s flat. The yellow crime scene ribbons were still attached to the railings and she could see that the bright porch light was on. She walked towards the officer.

‘Good evening.’ She showed her warrant. ‘Is there someone in the flat?’

‘Yes, sarge. It’s DS Lawrence. He’s been in there for a couple of hours.’ He shuffled his feet. ‘I don’t know . . . apparently some people don’t have a home to go to. I’m on duty until he leaves, then I have to lock up.’

‘So, the around-the-clock has been cancelled?’ Jane asked.

‘Yes, sarge, but I think they have someone here in the day.’

She headed past him and down the steps. The front door was ajar, and she could see the strips of cardboard were still down. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, calling out Lawrence’s name.

After a moment, he walked out from the bedroom.

‘I was just finishing some house-to-house inquiries and saw the lights on,’ Jane said.

Lawrence gestured towards the kitchen. ‘I can make you a cup of tea if you like?’

‘I wouldn’t mind one.’

Lawrence pulled off his rubber gloves. ‘So, I hear you’ve been seeing Dave “Dabs” Morgan.’

Jane was taken aback, wondering how much Dabs had told Lawrence about her new hobby.

‘He was at the lab doing some work with the ballistic experts and we just got talking about this case. He asked who I was working with and I mentioned you.’

‘What did you talk about?’ Jane asked.

Lawrence gave her a quizzical glance. ‘Nothing much, but he did say you’d joined a gun club or something.’

Jane shrugged. ‘I did but I haven’t really had any time. So how’s it been going here?’