‘Can I just point out that this isn’t an interrogation, DI Porter. I’m simply gathering timelines and perspectives. Superintendent Ormond was found dead tonight at his home. He’d been stabbed. The CSI gave an estimated time of death between midday, when he was seen leaving his golf club, and three p.m. He was seen leaving the clubhouse in a hurry.’

‘Jesus.’

‘I wanted to be the one to inform you. It’s become clear to us that this is an inquiry into the conduct of a lone officer. Under those circumstances, the rest of the team can operate in a quasi-skeleton capacity. I’m the SIO, and I want you on the case. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? Tell me what happened when Superintendent Ormond was given the news about Ella Watson’s death.’

Kelly took a deep breath, and began.

By the time she left Eden House, it was 11 p.m. The SIO expected her in the office by midday tomorrow. It meant she could have a much-needed lie-in, and go and see Ted.

She got a squad car to take her to Johnny’s. He’d picked Josie up and they’d had pizza. She crept in quietly and found him asleep on the sofa with the fire still crackling and an empty glass on the table. She poured herself one and sat beside him, not wanting to disturb him. It was enough to be next to him, staring at the fire as it fizzled and popped. She got up carefully and threw another log on.

Of all the outcomes in this case, the murder of Neil Ormond wasn’t something she’d ever contemplated; she’d had no reason to. She knew that Ormond’s house was currently being picked over for evidence, not just for his murder, but for the corruption inquiry. Ironically, they didn’t need a warrant. If there was anything to find, they’d sniff it out.

She was numb.

The murder was shocking, yes, but a man like that must have had a queue of people wanting to take him out. She tried to work out if the Cotton brothers might have had the brazen arrogance – and the time – to carry out the attack and get back to the warehouse. Of course they could have.

She closed her eyes and put her glass down. Johnny’s sofa was large and soft and she grabbed a blanket from the arm and covered herself, lying down so that they topped and tailed. He murmured and sighed and she drifted into a grateful sleep.

Chapter 59

Jordan woke up in his cell. He felt at peace, which was more than he’d felt last night when he’d peered into his father’s broken face. The juvenile facility was noisy and he’d slept badly, but at least he was calm. It was the first time he’d kept still since Wednesday, when his world had changed forever.