‘The UC is away but we have an audio and visual record of what’s happened. I’ve not seen it, but I’m assured it has captured everything. We also have other recordings from previous deployments, but they don’t relate to Adebayo. The UC went to Adebayo’s offices today in relation to a sham marriage job and the victim was supposed to be a bride. Unfortunately, Adebayo decided he was at liberty to help himself to the merchandise.’

‘How many copies of this are there?’

‘Just that one: no copying facilities at Forest Gate and we wanted you to get hold of it right away. I assume Mr Adebayo is a bit pissed off?’

‘That’s a fucking understatement. Screaming about assault and entrapment and breaching legal privilege and all sorts of shit. He has a twat of a brief as well; the smarmy fucker is demanding bail before we’ve even got to the fucking bottom of what’s happened.’

‘How’s the girl?’

‘Not particularly injured, but she’s shaken up as fuck. She won’t stop crying and panicking about her family back in Bosnia or wherever. She’s only just cooperating with the haven staff and has threatened to fuck off several times. I’ve got a SOIT investigator with her, but it still wouldn’t surprise me if the girl fucked off given the chance.’

Devlin smiled to himself at the DS’s command of old English oaths. It probably explained why the actual liaison with the victim was being left to one of the Sexual Offences Investigative Trained—or SOIT—officers.

‘Okay. Well, the Home Office investigators are dealing with him for the immigration offences, which seem pretty tight. It would be really good if the sex offences stuck as well, as my man has intervened and blown his cover wide open.’

‘We’ll do our best, mate, but if she doesn’t want to know, we’re fucked anyway. Happens too often in sexual offences.’

The men shook hands and Liam left. Once in the car, he called Tom.

‘I’ve delivered the SD card and your statement. It’s up to them now, although it doesn’t sound like the victim is being cooperative. They think she’s scared and just wants to go home.’

‘That wouldn’t be good, Liam. I’ve assaulted him and his brother and I’m far too exposed on this job. We need Adebayo locked up.’

‘Not much we can do about it now, mate, just got to let it ride out. Your recording keeps you well in the clear.’

Tom agreed, and they rang off, promising to speak the next day. Devlin started his car and drove off, looking forward to a pint after a difficult day.

*