‘Something’s not right. I’m not sure if something is going on between the constabulary and the Beacon Estate gangs: namely the Cotton brothers. It makes absolute sense to me that only a close relationship between the two, and several informers – one of whom seems to be our pal Jackson – could keep a lid on tensions getting out of hand. I know from a colleague of mine in Barrow that certain areas there were too hot for police to go into. They had an operation that lasted sixteen months before they began to piece together who was who. How do we know all the players so effortlessly here in Penrith? Why is there no active investigation into the Cotton brothers? I certainly can’t find one. Liam Brook told me vaguely that they keep an eye on them. I just don’t know who to trust.’ It was out before she could take it back. Rob understood immediately.

‘You can count on me, boss. I’m not bent.’

‘I know I can count on you and Emma, and Kate. But it might not end well. If this goes as high as I suspect, I won’t be able to control what happens next. I’ve already been threatened by Ormond regarding my job.’

Ordinarily she wouldn’t dream of discussing her career with a junior officer, but this was different and Rob was like a friend. She’d thought the same about Will.

‘I might need to move you around to protect you. If I go down for any reason, I don’t want you guys with me.’

‘With your permission, ma’am. I refuse. I’m with you all the way.’

Kelly caught a glimpse of Rob’s expression and turned back to the road ahead. She knew he meant it.

When they arrived at the Beacon Estate, they were both stunned at how extensive the barricades had grown. They seemed almost semi-permanent. More journalists had turned up, flags had been made, and crowds of people were listening to speeches from individuals who might or might not be from the estate: they could have been drafted in. Kelly had to take a long detour around the protests and parked behind Wordsworth Towers.

She had done her homework on Jackson Akers. At twenty, he had his whole life ahead of him, but it had come at a price. Kelly never stopped experiencing the desperation of the youngsters at the centre of most of her cases. You were born into shit: you did shit. However, that wasn’t the case with Jackson Akers. He’d surprised her.