‘I’ll pretend she’s a patient. They generally try to divert attention from what’s ailing them by asking me questions. I’m quite good at avoiding the answers.’ He stared down at the table. ‘I know I shouldn’t take this personally, but it’s hard not to feel hurt by how quick off the mark Fielding has been to arrest me. Call me sentimental, but I’d have expected her to cut me a bit of slack. I mean, I’ve been at the heart of so many investigations, I’d have thought they’d think twice before they jumped to the conclusion that I’m a serial killer.’ He met her eyes, his expression pained.

‘Fielding’s showing the brass her independence. And maybe trying to take some of the gloss off Carol’s achievements at the same time. That’s why she’s so keen on having Paula on the team. Fielding wants to be seen as the rehab unit for officers contaminated by the maverick tendency.’

Tony managed a tired smile. ‘And I thought I was the psychologist. So, do you think they’re going to charge me?’

‘I think she’s going to keep you hanging on till the last possible minute. She’ll get another DCI to authorise an extra twelve hours’ detention, which will take us up to tomorrow morning. Then she’ll either charge you or let you go, or, if she thinks she’s got enough with the DNA and the thumbprint, she’ll go to the magistrates for an extension. At which point we’ll wheel out all the undermining evidence that Carol will have assembled plus something from the fingerprint expert my office is lining up, and they’ll order your release. Probably on police bail. If we hang on and do it that way, your exoneration is more public.’

‘That sounds good.’

Scott held one hand out flat and swivelled it at the wrist. ‘Yes and no. The exoneration is more public, but the downside is that the media and the twittersphere will have had a full twenty-four-hour news cycle to rip you to shreds.’

‘They’re going to rip me to shreds anyway by the sounds of it, so the more publicly I’m taken off the hook, the better, surely? Or are you thinking the mags won’t let me go?’

Scott twisted her mouth in an expression of uncertainty. ‘I’d be very surprised if they backed Fielding on this one once her so-called evidence is thoroughly undermined.’

Before Tony could respond, the door slammed open. Fielding stood in the doorway, a tiny ball of barely contained fury. Her mouth was tight, her eyes narrowed and her hands curled into fists. ‘A word, Ms Scott,’ she said. It wasn’t a request.

Scott took her time, pausing to give Tony’s shoulder a quick squeeze. ‘I’ll be right back, Tony.’