‘In which case I will ask Mr Hughes to confirm that Mr Penfold has failed to respond to the question just asked of him.’

‘Mr Penfold has refused to respond, yes.’

The officer returned his attention to Penfold.

‘Next, Mr Penfold, we need to confirm who is present in the room today. I am Detective Inspector Thomas Chadwick, Major Investigation Team One. With me today is Detective Chief Inspector Joelle Levy, also from MIT One. With you is your legal representative, Mr Peter Hughes. And finally yourself, Mr Wisdom Penfold. Can you confirm that what I have just said is accurate?’

Penfold was determined to say nothing. Not a word. He kept up his stony gaze while the inspector continued to read the required script, informing him of his rights. For all the good they would do him. There wasn’t a right in the world that could keep him from rotting in jail.

‘Mr Hughes?’

‘Yes, Inspector. That is correct.’

Levy leaned forward. An indication to the inspector that she was taking over. The man seemed to understand and sat back into his chair.

Penfold’s eyes shifted to Levy.

Now for the real thing, he thought.

‘Right, now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about Phillip Longman.’

Penfold’s eyes narrowed. His first hint of a response, brought on by the familiar but unexpected name.

‘Where were you in the early hours of June 16th?’

Suddenly unsure of where this was going, Penfold still did not answer.

‘Let’s put it another way then, Mr Penfold. Were you present at the house of Mr Phillip Longman – 14 Magdalen Road in Wandsworth – in the early morning of the 16th of June?’

Still no verbal response. But increasing confusion. Where the hell is this going?

‘OK. What about on the 18th of June, Mr Penfold? Where were you in the early hours of that date?’

Penfold was shaking his head. He still gave no answer, but now because he simply did not have one.

‘Were you present at the home of Mr Adam Blunt – 11 Mill Lane in Southwold, Suffolk – in the early morning of the 18th of June?’

Blunt? That piece of shit? What the fuck is this?

‘Mr Penfold, these are very serious allegations. Right now you are very much the prime suspect for both crimes. Do you have anything whatsoever to say for yourself?’

Penfold glared at Levy with unadulterated malice, but still he did not speak. He did not know why, or even if it was still the best course. But until he knew more he would not risk giving an answer that could mean more trouble than even he deserved.

‘For the benefit of the tape then, Mr Penfold, you are unwilling to tell us your whereabouts when former Lord Chief Justice Phillip Longman and Mr Adam Blunt were murdered in their own homes, on the 16th and the 18th of June respectively.’

Startled, Penfold’s jaw literally dropped. He had been chased down by Scotland Yard, forced back to British soil, nearly drowned, and they had not even come after him for the right crime.