‘One of many. Apparently his old man was a ship’s cook in the navy, in charge of the bell. Either that or Tyrone set fire alarms off at school. No previous, either.’

Kelly noted a change in Brook’s tone but moved on.

‘They look as though they’re having a serious conversation. Tyrone seems nervous. Rewind it. Let’s watch the whole thing again,’ Kelly said.

They watched as Akers rode up to Fenton on his bike and they talked. Then a package was handed over.

‘I thought drug deals were quick. They’re obviously discussing something. Time?’

‘Six thirty-three.’

‘Wait a minute, who are these late arrivals?’

‘Looks to me like the Cotton brothers. That one is Jason, the elder. The other is Adam. The rest are hangers-on.’

‘Why do they always hide their hands?’ Kelly asked, exasperated.

‘They’re copying American gangs: they cover anything that could potentially identify them – face, hands, hair…’

‘So we have all your main players here in one piece of footage, potentially less than half an hour after Keira was killed, exchanging a package. That bag is large enough to contain clothes. Can you give me their addresses?’

‘They have several,’ Liam said. ‘But of course I’ll give you what we’ve got. I’ll obviously have to clear it with Superintendent Ormond.’

‘Really? I’m the SIO and this is a criminal investigation,’ Kelly said. She was beginning to feel as though Ormond was guilty of being a bully.

Liam put his hands up. ‘Look, you ask him. I have a hierarchy I have to go through for my own information, and it doesn’t involve Serious Crime. Covert Ops and Drugs don’t have the same rules as you.’

‘What about the old boys’ network?’ She smiled.

Will patted Liam on the back as if to say I told you so.

‘He said you weren’t likely to take no for an answer. I’ll have a few conversations this afternoon and see what we can do. Since I’m here, why don’t you show me what you’ve got and I’ll do anything I can to flesh things out?’

‘Of course. Have you heard of the Bradleys? Keira was the second victim.’

‘Yes. The family is known to us. I saw Sharon on the news, parading about. It was pretty effective, I have to say.’

‘She could prove to be a valuable asset. I’ll get DC Hide to show you around.’

Emma was more than happy to talk the sergeant through what they knew so far. After that, Kelly agreed that Will would accompany Liam back to his unit to ask a few questions. Maybe their friendship bond would work better than her charm.

Chapter 16