When Bloom returned to the coffee shop, there was no sign of either Jameson or Harry. She checked the car park and, sure enough, the hire car had left. She took out her phone. No messages. His childish petulance irritated her even though she could see why he was offended. If he’d just kept a lid on his anger long enough for them to draw out the information, it might all have been worth it. Or was Jameson right? Should she have warned him? Would he have been willing to play the part for the right cause?

Bloom contemplated catching a train back to London but knew she had to face the consequences of her actions so she headed for the taxi rank.

It was unclear how much Seraphine really knew about Harry’s kidnappers. Clearly she wanted them to think this migrant girl was key, and with the girl’s name and photograph Bloom felt sure they could find her. If Lucas couldn’t locate her on social media, then Jameson’s contacts in MI6 would be able to. But Bloom also knew that Seraphine was not to be trusted; this could all be a ruse. Alina Maree could be nothing but a dead end.

A more tangible lead was the sub-lieutenant Jameson had identified at the ball. Not only did his attendance and subsequent disappearance raise questions, the fact Harry thought he might have been dressed wrongly and therefore might not have been a naval officer at all was worth investigating. Then there was Jameson’s point about the shooting. Different motivations. Different weapons. So possibly different groups. One trying to kill him. Another trying to keep him alive.

This was the real key. It was the same with every mysterious death or disappearance, every crime for that matter. If you understand what someone gains, you can work it all out. Over the years she had learned that if you can think like them, no matter how flawed or unusual their thinking might be, you will finally get to the truth of what they did and why.

She paid the taxi driver and walked the last quarter of a mile to the house. The hire car was not in its usual spot on the street. Was he so furious with her that he would continue to put Harry at risk by not bringing him back here? She knocked on the door anyway, hoping he may have dropped Harry here and nipped out for supplies.

On her third knock the door opened and to her surprise Jameson answered. He was on the phone and walked away, leaving her to follow. He continued through the empty living area towards his bedroom. She heard him say, ‘Fine, just do what you can,’ before the bedroom door clicked shut.