Jack grinned. ‘Was. Oaks, we need to know everything about Delgardo. Most importantly, how he worked, his MO, and how he was caught. Listen, everyone! Michael De Voe’s real name is Miguel Delgardo. He’s not late-40s, as his business CV states, but late-50s. And he’s an accomplished drug smuggler. He is exceptional at getting things across borders, undetected. This is excellent work from DC Oaks, because now we can learn our target. Well done, William. Bloody well done.’

Looking on, Gifford appreciated how Jack freely praised his officers. Jack’s easy way with his subordinates had niggled Gifford at first, but now he saw its true value. If, or more likely, when Hearst got the next batch of complaints about Jack, Gifford would pull rank on him, but for now he was content to share in the warm feeling that spread around the squad room from the results of everyone’s hard work. Even Lee could find nothing to complain about, which, judging from his sour expression, mightily pissed him off. He couldn’t stand Jack’s easy-going manner, sure it concealed a far more sinister person beneath.

‘Bevan,’ Gifford interrupted her before she could begin trying to find out who Angelo was, ‘get four uniforms and brief them on the recording, the guy in the horsebox, the name Angelo, and whatever else is relevant. Get them to start trying to identify him. I don’t want you on the sidelines. We need you front and centre.’

When Jack’s mobile rang, he glanced at the screen. ‘CM’. He clicked accept and Charlotte began talking before he could say hello. ‘He’s changed the plan, DS Warr. And I’m scared he knows that I’ve spoken to you. Meet me at the King’s Stone. Just you. Please. Be there in an hour.’ Then she ended the call.

*