‘We need some rest and I need some time to think. I can’t confront him as this is all off-the-books. It’s illegal and none of it is evidence. Christ, I could end up in jail for what I’ve done so far. I’m going to have to do this my way, nothing official, and I’m keeping everything to myself until I know who all the bent bastards are.’

‘So what do you suggest?’

‘I need to speak to Stan and my old friend, Buster. I also need to be sure that Taylor is as corrupt as I think he is and not just someone who uses prostitutes. I suggest some sleep and we can start again when fresh tomorrow.’

‘Sounds fine to me, Detective. I’m exhausted.’ Pet stretched and yawned, her arms raised above her head. ‘We should sleep.’

‘Sure. Let’s do that.’ Tom moved towards the bathroom.

He took stock of where he was. If it wasn’t clear before that he had no way back, then it was crystal-clear now. He was being chased by the Serb mafia, who were being fed live, intrusive intelligence by a corrupt police officer aided by an NCA agent who was using resources normally used to fight terrorism. The destruction of the SD card at Ilford showed that there was also at least one other corrupt asset he did not yet know about. He had only one option: keep fighting forward. He was going to bring these people down.

*

He woke early and lay in bed for a few moments, thinking through what lay ahead.

Pet stirred in her bed. ‘Can we get a nice breakfast before we start work? I’m hungry,’ she said, smiling through sleepy eyes.

‘You know, Pet, you don’t have to be here. You’ve done so much for me so far. If you needed to go, I would understand.’ Tom spoke earnestly: it made him a little uncomfortable to be relying on another person, even in a case like that. But, in reality, another part of him realised he still needed her.

‘You don’t get rid of me that easily. Mike told me I was with you until this is resolved.’

‘Well, as long as you’re sure. I really appreciate the help. I’m going to take a shower first and then I have a plan.’

‘Care to enlighten me?’ she smiled.

Tom returned her smile. ‘I’m going to need to find out what is on Taylor’s computers. Can you help me with that?’

‘Of course, depending on how close you can get to them. If you can get direct access to his hard drive, I can give you everything. If it’s remote access I will be a bit more limited in what I can do. It’ll cost you a cooked breakfast, either way.’

‘Deal,’ said Tom, throwing off the sheets and making for the bathroom.