The court case is delayed so Tyler watches from the public gallery as Doggett gives evidence. As prosecuting witness, he takes his place in the box, opting to “affirm” rather than swear on any holy book. The Crown prosecutor leads him through his statements. Then Doggett is cross-examined, his evidence tested, his statements double-checked and verified. He occasionally checks his notebook for exact dates and times. The solicitor for the defense does her best to discomfort him, but Doggett speaks quietly, elegantly, and with an authority no one could doubt. He’s a different man to the jiggling DI at the crime scene yesterday.

Meanwhile, the accused stands in the dock, a baby-faced millennial in a sharp suit, trying to appear incapable of the attempted rape he’s being tried for. The jury looks confused. Tyler considers how it might feel to stand where Doggett is now, with Oscar in the place of the suited rapist. It wouldn’t be allowed of course. It would be deemed a conflict of interest and the defense would call for a mistrial.

When Doggett steps down, Tyler leaves the gallery and heads downstairs to meet him, but it’s the DCI who’s waiting. Jordan flicks her head curtly and he follows her outside in silence.

“Jim’s just finishing up with the Crown Prosecution Service,” she says. “Take a seat for a minute.”

He sits and waits for her to go on. He should tell her now. He will tell her. But still he waits.

“How are you getting on with DI Doggett?” she asks finally.

The question surprises him. “He told me he didn’t want me on the case.”

She huffs out a small laugh. “Yes, that sounds like Jim.” She licks her thumb and rubs at a stain on the arm of her jacket. “He asked for you on this.”

“Why?”

She glances at the camera crew setting up outside the entrance to the court. “That’s what I’d like to know.” Jordan smiles at him, the concern vanishing from her face. “Perhaps he thinks he can butter me up by taking you under his wing.”

But Tyler has known this woman a long time and sees the worry hiding behind the professional veneer. “You’re not sure it’s that.”

“DI Doggett is a highly capable officer. But he does have a tendency to do things his own way. I need someone on this case who knows how to follow the book.”

“And that’s me?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. I know you’ve at least read the book, even if you do choose to ignore it when it suits you. And it isn’t as though you’re averse to challenging authority figures when you think they’ve got it wrong.”

“You want me to spy on Doggett for you?”