‘But you’ve worked for me for three years!’

‘No, I haven’t.’

Kelly didn’t know what to say. Of every scenario she’d run through her head, this was the last one she’d expected. ‘You work for Ormond?’

He didn’t answer.

‘Will, what the hell is he up to?’

‘I’m being removed from this role. I leave today. I’m going somewhere else.’

‘On whose authority?’ She didn’t need an answer. ‘Why now? This is all linked to the murders, isn’t it? It’s too neat and tidy. Frame a dodgy lad from the estate and move on. Is that why you and Liam went to see Jackson Akers? To discuss with your informant who to set up? But why would Ormond want an innocent to take the rap? That’s what bugging me, Will.’

‘I’m sorry, boss, I can’t answer any of those questions.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘I haven’t been told.’ He got up to leave.

‘What’s he got on you?’

Will stopped.

‘I know you were once a good-for-nothing, weren’t you? You and your best mate up to your eyes in trouble. Ormond rehabilitated you; he gave you jobs and saved you from the shit pile.’

Will turned round. His face was screwed with pain, and tears flowed down his face.

Kelly went to him and shook him. ‘Jesus, Will! Tell me!’

He pushed her away and left the office.

She stood there for a full minute, not knowing what to make of what she’d seen and heard. Rob and Emma came in.

‘Guv, you OK? What happened with Will?’

Kelly sat down, exhausted, frustrated and uncertain.

‘I have no idea.’

She stared at her computer and tapped a few keys, finding the phone extension for Liam Brook. She was informed that the officer she sought was off duty until Monday. She told them it was urgent and asked for his address.

She told Rob to get ready for their visit to the Beacon Estate.

‘Emma, any luck on that depot?’

‘I was going to update you. They have no record of the goods entering the depot but the release form was signed by Ormond.’

‘My God, we’ve got him. We have evidence of the contraband leaving one location and arriving at another, but no record of when it gets there. Come on, Rob. Emma, call me if the lab comes up with anything.’

Chapter 41