‘They’re right to, though. He’s at risk here. There’ll be more of them.’

‘Did you get anything from the evidence?’

‘Both porters were wearing bulletproof body armour under their uniforms. Which is why they went for head shots. But their kit was different.’

‘How do you mean?’

‘Freddie had a well-worn vest, fairly standard quality. Whereas the other guy had brand-new, top-of-the-range gear and a pretty impressive handgun.’

‘Is that unusual to have different kit? What does it mean?’

Jameson pulled a face. ‘Probably just guns for hire, which would also explain the argument and lack of co-ordination. But well done for dodging my question,’ Jameson said to Bloom as Karene sat down. She began handing out the drinks.

‘What question is she dodging?’ Karene said.

‘What she thinks of your lover boy.’

Karene blinked a couple of times and then said to Bloom, ‘Avery wouldn’t have spotted the surgery without your help, would he?’

‘We see what we expect to see. You need to know to look for it.’

‘And you did. Thank you, Augusta.’

‘It doesn’t tell us anything unfortunately. We still don’t know who did this or why.’

‘Which is why we need to keep interrogating the man,’ said Jameson. ‘And why I still want to know what you think of him.’

‘Don’t mind me.’ Karene hugged her drink to her body, shrinking away defensively.

‘Fine,’ Bloom said. ‘He comes across as an articulate and intelligent individual who clearly wants to know what’s happened to him.’

‘Is that it? I think you’re losing your touch.’ Jameson took a gulp of his vanilla latte.

Bloom sighed and looked at Karene. ‘You said he was worried that he’d contributed to Julian’s murder, that he regularly visits his sister in the care home and that he played an active role in helping his children to cope with the divorce which tells me he has warmth and empathy. Caroline too said that he was a good father. But she also said he was reserved and distant, emotionless and secretive. But he’s always been open and loving and fun with you. So Caroline’s perspective might reflect their marriage rather than his character.’ Karene took a breath and held it in. Bloom continued. ‘And his boss describes him as a professional, well-admired naval officer, one who is willing to stand up for what’s right.’

Jameson glanced at Karene mischievously. ‘But what do you think of him?’

‘I think he’s a typical, decent human being.’

‘I thought you said “typical” wasn’t a thing?’ Jameson was enjoying this.

‘You know what I mean,’ Bloom said. ‘And just because there aren’t alarm bells going off doesn’t mean he’s incapable of doing something wrong or making a mistake. We need to keep exploring his work. There’s something we’re missing, something we’re not allowed to know.’

‘But? What else? You’re thinking something,’ said Karene.