There’s the tiniest trace of frustration on Rabbani’s face, but she hides it well. “When Gerald Cartwright first put his company together, he had a number of regular business partners, including a bloke named Felbridge. I checked them all out, but Felbridge is the one that stands out. He’s got convictions for drug possession and assault. He never did any time, though. I’m guessing his money, or his friend’s money, got him off. Then, in the late eighties, Felbridge disappears.”

Doggett looks at Tyler and shakes his head in mock frustration. “I hope this is going somewhere, lass, because I’m not getting any younger here.”

Rabbani bites her lip. “Felbridge changed his name by deed poll, sir. Shortly before he was ordained. Sebastian Felbridge is the Reverend Sebastian Thorogood, vicar of All Souls Church, Castledene.”

Doggett’s mouth widens into an evil smile. “I knew that bastard name was made up!”

“There’s more.” Rabbani thrusts the page in her hand at Tyler, and he reads it as she speaks. “Thorogood came to Castledene in 1995 after an allegation were made about him at his previous post. A woman accused him of molesting her. The case was thrown out when the woman withdrew her complaint, but guess who arranged his transfer for him?”

“Mister Gerald Bollocking Cartwright, by any chance?” Doggett doesn’t wait for a reply. “Right, I’ll bet you my last pint of Blonde he paid the woman off as well. Come on, then.” Doggett’s already heading for the car. “Rabbani,” he shouts over his shoulder.

“Sir?”

“Well done, girl. Top of the class!”

Rabbani shakes her head at Tyler behind the DI’s retreating back, but she’s all smiles.

“Well,” Tyler asks, “are you coming with us then, or not?”

Her mouth drops open again. “Yes, sir,” she says, beaming at him. There’s something about the way she carries herself to the car, her chest puffed out with pride, that makes him smile.

—

Unusually, Edna is the first one up that morning. By the time Lily has donned her dressing gown and negotiated the stairs she is already standing at the stove.

“I’ll do that.”

“I can manage.”

Lily settles for making the toast. As she takes the loaf from the bread bin she pretends not to hear Edna grunting and wheezing with exhaustion. She slices the dark-crusted bread and avoids watching Edna’s hooked hands as they attempt to drop eggs into the saucepan, each one sending up a splash of scalding water that reaches her fingertips. Edna steps away from the hob and stands breathing quietly, rubbing her fingers together while Lily browns the toast under the grill. Eventually, and without a word, she shuffles into the dining room, leaving Lily to take over.