‘We also haven’t discounted the husband yet, sir. That’s always the first port of call on the death of a spouse.’

‘But that’s ridiculous! Tom wouldn’t…’ He realised his mistake and trailed off. ‘Of course, you’re right. You have to carry out a full inquiry to rule him out. Let me know when you do, will you?’

‘Yes, sir. Would you like me to keep you in the loop by email?’

‘No, call me. Day or night. This is my mobile number.’ He scribbled on a piece of paper and gave it to her. Her heart sank further. She finished her coffee.

‘Did Ella Watson strike you as a happy person, sir?’

Ormond thought about his answer. He appeared guarded.

‘I don’t know what you mean, Porter. Happy how?’

‘Did she come across as the woman who had it all, like I’m being told?’

‘Now you mention it, she wasn’t as relaxed as you would expect. There always seemed to be something on her mind, other than what was going on in the here and now, if you know what I mean.’

‘I think I do. Did Tom ever share what she got up to during the day?’

‘Men don’t bother with that sort of niff-naff, Porter. I have no idea. She was a housewife, isn’t that a job?’

‘Of course, sir, but I’m trying to build up a picture of her character. Did she seem depressed?’

‘Like I said, she sometimes came across as deep in thought. A bit serious, I suppose.’

‘What about Tom, sir? What type of man is he?’

‘Very accomplished. Enjoying his early retirement. His handicap is fifteen!’ He looked away and coughed.

Kelly kept her face straight, deciding that Superintendent Ormond wasn’t quite the legend she’d been led to believe.

‘Sir, I wonder if you could assist me in gaining access to the criminal informant data regarding the Beacon Estate. One of my officers mentioned that policing there has declined sharply but that they do rely on informants.’

‘It’s your department, Porter, you should know.’

‘Yes, sir, I understand that. However, I’ve only been in post for three years and have had very little to do with the Beacon Estate, perhaps for that very reason: because not much crime is investigated there after it’s reported. Either charges are dropped or evidence is lacking. It’s curious.’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that, I think it’s normal for such a den of iniquity. Come on, Porter, you worked in London!’

She didn’t know what to say. It was as if he was telling her that giving up on certain sections of society was normal, required even. It was not just old-fashioned, but dangerous.

‘You could always speak to the patrols on the ground. They’ll know any informers, I wager.’

‘But aren’t all informants supposed to be logged and regulated now, sir?’