‘Indeed we shall, once you and Bristol here kindly step outside.’ Porter smiled at the policewoman with a warmth that did not reach his eyes.

‘That’s not happening,’ the DCI said immediately.

‘I said I would speak to one person and one person alone.’ His gaze moved back to Bloom.

Mirza continued to protest and explain that it was critical she hear his explanation personally, but Porter simply stared at Bloom and in turn she stared back. This was all very odd.

Eventually Mirza nodded to DI Bristol, who opened the door for them both. ‘I will be standing outside,’ she said in a final attempt to exert her power, but it was clear the Foreign Secretary had won that battle of wills.

When they were alone, Porter relaxed his posture and averted his gaze.

‘Your reputation precedes you, Dr Bloom. I appreciate your swift response.’

‘What reputation would that be?’

Porter ran his hands through his hair and ruffled away the neatness. ‘I have heard good things from influential people.’

‘Which people exactly?’ Bloom was unsure how a senior politician would have come across someone like her. They hardly moved in the same professional or personal circles.

‘I need your help with something of a sensitive nature.’

‘Is this to do with why the police wish to speak to you?’

Porter smiled up at the ceiling. ‘No, I would not trouble you with such mediocrity,’ he said. ‘But I am prepared to offer the Detective Chief Inspector a deal. If you can meet my request, I shall respond to hers.’

‘I don’t think she will go for that.’ Bloom had not missed the policewoman’s tone of impatience. She was not a woman used to being batted away, Bloom guessed.

‘Don’t you worry about that. It is all in hand. What I need from you is help with a personal family matter. My older sister, Greta, has been tormented for years because of her daughter Scarlett. She has begged for my help but the timing has never been right. Politically.’ He met her eyes again. ‘You understand.’

Bloom knew family scandals could be kryptonite to political ambitions. ‘How old is Scarlett?’

‘Twenty-nine.’

‘Has she been in trouble?’

‘Not that I know of.’ Porter smiled but did not expand. He looked like he was enjoying himself.

Bloom considered the options. ‘She has contrary politics?’

‘I expect so but that’s not the issue.’

‘OK.’ Bloom waited.

‘Have you heard of Artemis?’

Bloom looked at him blankly. ‘The Greek goddess?’

‘The organization dedicated to furthering women’s rights.’

‘Unfortunately not.’

‘Greta tells me Scarlett has had some involvement with them over the years.’

‘And you view that as a bad thing?’

Porter’s lips twisted into a condescending smile. ‘I’m not a misogynist, Dr Bloom. I have no problem with women who earn their place in the world.’