‘He’s the partner of our client. She came to us when she couldn’t find him at any of the hospitals,’ said Bloom.

‘Why didn’t she come to us?’

Bloom and Jameson exchanged a look.

‘She did,’ said Bloom. ‘She reported him missing with you on Sunday afternoon when she couldn’t locate him.’ Bloom decided not to mention that they’d failed to take Karene seriously. No need to antagonize Drummond at this early stage.

‘I see. I’ll look into that.’

‘And can you have someone check the hospital CCTV?’ asked Bloom.

‘Already noted,’ he said, tapping his pen on the piece of paper in front of him.

‘So whose remit is this investigation? Is it with the Navy Police or with you?’ asked Jameson.

Drummond neatened the stack of papers in front of him. ‘The RNP are responsible for policing the base and their ships. We are responsible for civilian matters. So, in the case of a civilian bomber on a naval base, we’re in this together.’

‘And have you identified the bomber?’ asked Jameson. Bloom knew this was a test. His contact at MI6 had already given him the details and he was checking if the police had caught up.

‘We have. Bashir Forrest. He was a young man from the Plymouth area. British father, Somali mother. He’d actually worked at the base for a time as part of an outside catering company and we think that’s how he gained access. He was an ISIS sympathizer as far as we can tell. He’d posted a few things online in support of the attacks in Paris and Manchester, but nothing extreme. Other than that, he was a good kid. Worked hard in school. Never in trouble with us. He was on a watch list but very near the bottom.’

‘So any idea why he’d do this now?’ said Bloom.

‘Finding out is our priority at this stage. We have his phone and computer so we’re looking to identify who he’s been in touch with.’

‘And will you consider the possibility that the bomb was a cover for the kidnapping?’ asked Bloom.

‘It would explain why there were so few casualties,’ said Jameson.

Bloom watched the police officer carefully, gauging his response. He came across as a measured and thoughtful man, but some people were very unwilling to consider alternative theories.

‘In my experience, anything’s possible, Dr Bloom,’ Drummond replied. ‘We were relieved but admittedly surprised by the number of casualties. It could be due to an inexperienced bomber, but I’m not one for putting all my eggs in a single basket, so I appreciate your input. We’ll look into it.’

‘You liked him,’ said Jameson when they were back in the car.

‘He was open-minded. You know how easy it is to get stuck on one theory and only see the evidence that supports it.’

‘I think he liked you too.’