He left his kit outside and changed his shoes, then went into the bar area to grab some lunch. Once his belly was full, he’d make a decision on what to do next. DI Porter and her team were dealing with some pretty nasty criminals right now, and it was part of the risk of the job that one occasionally crossed paths with peril.

The huge TV in the bar was up loud and the tables were busy. He greeted old pals but couldn’t help but be drawn to the screen. The bulletin was live from the Beacon Estate, and he watched in shock as the scenes unfolded. There were thousands of people there, marching, singing, chanting, waving banners and demanding social reform. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Politicians, experts and celebrities were all giving opinions and bemoaning inequality.

He was about to roll his eyes and order a beer when the image on the screen switched to an interview with Sharon Bradley, who was appealing for information regarding the death of her daughter. Sitting next to her, nodding her head like a lapdog, was Millie Watson, holding a banner that read JUSTICE FOR ELLA AND KEIRA.

Dear God.

But it was the background that caught his attention: DI Kelly Porter, deep in conversation with Thomas Watson.

He walked out of the club without ordering his drink.

Chapter 44

Adam Cotton was playing FIFA on an old Xbox 360.

He and his brother had been lying low in a warehouse just north of the Beacon Estate, staying out of trouble while the police sorted out the mess. Only a select few knew where they were. The room at the top of the warehouse was furnished with sofas, tables and chairs, a fridge, and a small TV set connected to the Xbox. No one had any interest in watching events unfold on the Beacon Estate; their only concern was staying away from the heat. Jason had a widespread network of garages, flats and warehouses across Penrith, but relied on others to make sure plans were executed, and goods received and sold on time and to the right person. He didn’t trust Adam with that side of the business; he was merely a hired thug.

The game was tense, with Adam just losing out on a sitter. He punched the boy next to him and threw the console towards the screen. Then he got up and kicked a chair, which flew across the concrete floor.