‘Go on,’ she said. ‘What do you need to know?’

‘How long was there between you arriving and the bomb going off?’ Jameson asked. His friendly tone and broad smile revealed that Karene’s flair and femininity had been duly acknowledged.

‘I arrived at Devonport at quarter to eight and the explosion happened fifteen minutes later, just after dinner was announced.’

‘Devonport is the naval base?’ said Bloom.

‘Yes,’ Karene replied. ‘In Plymouth.’

‘And that’s where Harry was based?’ asked Jameson.

‘No. He was based with Rear Admiral Grey at Northwood. But the Commodore at Plymouth was pursuing Harry about a role and the invite was part of that.’

‘Reports say the bomb was detonated in the building’s reception as people were making their way out,’ said Jameson.

‘That’s right. The bar was inside but dinner was in a marquee on the lawn.’

‘Do you know how many were hurt?’ he asked.

‘Two officers were killed and another two are still in Derriford Hospital. The Commodore lost a leg and his wife was also hurt. Then there were the events staff, two men and two women, all still hospitalized. And another officer’s wife is in a coma; she stayed back to text the babysitter.’

‘Plus Harry, that’s twelve people,’ said Jameson. He frowned. ‘That’s not a lot.’

‘It’s enough,’ said Karene, flashing him a look of utter contempt.

‘How many people were there in total?’ Jameson asked.

‘Over three hundred.’

‘So the explosion happened after most people had already left the building?’ Jameson scribbled something on his notepad.

‘That’s a good thing, isn’t it?’ said Karene.

Jameson sat back in his chair and looked at Bloom. ‘Don’t you think it’s odd?’

‘Your average suicide bomber wants to wreak as much havoc as possible,’ Bloom explained. ‘So why wait until the majority of people are out of the room?’

‘Maybe he didn’t realize they’d move so quickly?’ said Karene.

‘I’d say if he’s in the building with a bomb strapped to him and people start leaving, he flicks the switch straightaway,’ said Jameson.

‘So he arrived too late?’ said Bloom.

‘Or he didn’t want to wreak havoc,’ said Jameson. ‘That wasn’t his intention.’

‘How do you mean?’ asked Bloom.

‘I’m not sure,’ said Jameson. ‘It’s just strange. I’ll see what I can dig up on the bomber.’

‘And that’s why you’re here,’ said Bloom, smiling.

She knew she couldn’t do this without him. She’d managed a few cases in his absence, but this one would be impossible. Jameson’s background was shadowy. He was very secretive but he’d spent time with MI6, secret service rather than military, but still under the Ministry of Defence. So this case was right up his street.

She only hoped he’d stick around long enough for her to convince him to stay permanently.

6