‘Matt, I asked DC Shawcross to create a matrix of names covering Ravensword and the Montague Club, using the lists you supplied.’ For all his charm, Rob Shawcross was a certified nerd, and it came in handy. ‘I’ll bring it up. One name has popped up.’

‘I can see that. Who’s Christopher Slater?’ asked Matt.

‘He’s a non-executive director at DEFRA,’ Kelly said. ‘His background is in global companies – no surprise there. All four NEDs at DEFRA have similar backgrounds: basically, they work for massive companies, then retire with golden handshakes and become advisers to government departments, on handsome salaries. It’s all above board. Every state office has them. They work part time, enjoy huge benefits and status, and still get paid.’

‘Nice work if you can get it. What’s he got to do with Ravensword?’ Matt asked.

‘He’s an ex-CEO. Resigned after the colantropine scandal. He also held positions in alcohol and tobacco firms, and the oil industry, and returned to pharmaceuticals before moving to advisory and charity work.’

‘Jesus, they all look after each other, don’t they?’ Matt’s voice dripped with disgust. ‘And he’s a member of the Montague Club?’

‘Yup. And of the Cambridge rowing alumni,’ Kelly added.

‘Cosy,’ Matt said. ‘I can easily get hold of a guest list for Wednesday night.’

Kelly had expected that.

‘It’s not a solid lead – some old rich dudes getting together to chat about how good life is and smoke cigars – but I agree it looks bad. We’ll have to be watertight on this one. The Montague Club has an army of lawyers; we’ve already had dealings with them for demanding the members’ list. Everything – and I mean everything – has to be checked in duplicate and triplicate before we go around accusing civil servants of anything.’

‘He’s not a civil servant.’

‘What? I thought you said he worked for DEFRA?’

‘Non-executive directors are advisory; they come from business backgrounds, not ministerial.’

‘Is that important?’ Matt was curt.

‘Not really. It’s just—’

‘Can you call me privately, DI Porter?’

He logged off. Kelly looked at her team, who sat in shock; they’d never seen their boss treated in such a way.

‘I guess that means the meeting’s over. We’ve all got plenty to do, and I’ve got the narcotics team to meet at Allerdale House. Keep up the good work, everybody. Rob, carry on digging about the membership. Will, call Lord Allerdale’s solicitors, will you? See if they can’t be persuaded to answer a few very straightforward questions and stop wasting everyone’s time.’ As an afterthought, she turned around. ‘Find out if they’re the same solicitors used by the Montague Club, or if they’re affiliated.’

She went back to her office and dialled Matt’s number.

‘That was unprofessional,’ she said.

‘I had all I needed. Your team are doing great work, Kelly. Don’t take things personally.’