‘Here’s another loose end tied up,’ he said, reading the message, then indicating to Jack to follow him to a more private corner of the squad room. ‘I’ve got Barrowman’s credit card statement: one string of pearls, £900. Purchased a couple of weeks ago. The next purchase is a meal for two at The Ivy last Wednesday, and the next purchase is a red satin negligée.’ He gave Jack a sorry smile.

‘So it’s not a pay-off for inside info from a gang of murderous burglars, I’m afraid. It’s a birthday surprise for his secretary in London. Apparently her name is Sherry and she turned twenty-seven last Wednesday.’

*

At that moment, Ridley walked into the squad room.

None of Gifford’s team knew who he was, but they could tell he was a copper, and an important one. Ridley looked seriously in Jack’s direction.

Jack, intrigued by Ridley’s presence, picked up the pace.

‘On top of everything we’ve already discussed, we need to track the high-end items, especially the Barrowmans’ emerald “Barbara Hutton” necklace. They won’t be able to fence it here, so it’ll end up in London. We know this gang is transient, so it makes sense that they come here, stick around long enough to commit these burglaries, then disappear again. This further supports the theory that, as outsiders, they’ll need local knowledge to help them choose their targets.’ Jack then turned to Ridley. ‘You here to see me, sir?’

Ridley’s silent, stern-faced nod suggested that Jack might be in trouble. Since arriving in Chipping Norton, Jack was aware that he’d clashed with Gifford, Oaks, Barrowman and Mrs Fullworth, but none of them mattered a jot to him. Ridley, on the other hand, mattered a great deal.

As Ridley closed Gifford’s office door, Gifford made himself comfortable at Jack’s desk, with the scenic view to his left and his own glass-walled office in front of him. He might not be able to hear the bollocking Jack was about to get, but he’d certainly enjoy watching it.

Ridley got straight down to business. ‘Joe’s boss, DCI Hearst, called me today.’ Jack opened his mouth to defend himself, but Ridley held up a hand to cut him off. ‘Her boss, DCS Lindgarden, has been getting complaints. Hearst has to be seen to be doing her job, as do I. So, just stand there and listen. Gifford is a cowardly old bastard who should have retired years ago. After today, he’ll be able to legitimately tell people like Mr Barrowman that you’ve been reprimanded. I know you can live with that. But don’t change anything, Jack. You’re doing a good job. What’s he doing now?’

Jack’s eyes flicked to Gifford for a split second, then back to Ridley. ‘He’s grinning.’

Ridley frowned. ‘Prick. Your gang’s getting restless, that right?’