‘Are they reliable? The Rawlinsons were rivals, weren’t they, so of course they were going to testify against them.’

‘But we had physical evidence too. With respect, it’s a long-term project, and they have their uses.’

‘What about the two murders?’

‘I told Will, we’ve heard nothing that would have given the heads-up on either of those.’

‘Can you bring them in and question them? They’re implicated in a serious assault on a shopkeeper too: that’s a legitimate start.’

‘You need some leverage. If you concentrate on the physical evidence, I can work with my informants to give a fuller picture.’

‘So you won’t share your sources?’

‘I can’t do that.’

‘What if it was the Cotton brothers who did it? Your empire stands to implode; who have you got lined up to fill the gap?’

‘You’re making it sound as though we run the estate.’

‘That’s how you’re making it sound, I’m just curious about your relationship with these criminals. Is there an ongoing inquiry I don’t know about?’

‘There are several.’

‘But you won’t share that either?’

‘Like you, we report to Superintendent Ormond. He runs the show. Only he can make that decision.’

‘That’s an interesting point. Did Will tell you that Ormond is pals with the first victim’s husband?’

Liam shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He nodded. ‘He’s pals with everyone.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Should we look at the footage?’ Will interrupted them, but Kelly couldn’t let it go.

‘So how closely do you work with the super?’ she asked.

‘Too close.’

Kelly flinched a little. There was more than simply employee discontent in Brook’s voice. There was real malice. Clearly she wasn’t the only one Superintendent Ormond rubbed up the wrong way.

They watched the footage together. A man on a bike cycled into view. Liam rewound, stopped the film, scrunched his face, tilted his head and sighed.

‘I reckon that’s Jackson Akers.’

The clock in the corner of the screen gave the time as 6.28 a.m.

‘Estimated time of death was between five thirty and six eighteen, when the 999 call was made. What’s he doing out and about so early? He looks as though he’s on his way somewhere.’

‘He’s got no record. Keeps himself to himself. He fixes bikes and the drug squad monitor him as a runner. It’s part of a two-year inquiry. They leave him alone because they want to be led to the big boys. Possession and supply carry such small sentences now; it’s the long sentences they want.’

‘He looks relaxed,’ Will said. ‘Not as if he’s fleeing a murder scene. He’s more intent on that guy, coming into view.’

‘That’s Tyrone Fenton.’

‘Tyrone? Is his nickname something like Ding Dong?’