He’s learning fast, Sarah thought.

‘Any update?’ she asked as she reached Benson.

‘Nothing we don’t already know,’ Benson replied. ‘You really think what happened on the ferry was connected to Longman?’

‘Has to be. Why else were Joelle Levy and MIT One there? The guy’s got to be a suspect.’

‘You’d think they’d at least give us a hint. We’ve all been here long enough.’

The comment came from a cameraman Sarah had never met. She would have remembered the birthmark above his right eye.

‘Perhaps they’re too busy trying to catch a killer.’ Sarah felt the need to defend Levy. Not that Levy needed the help. ‘Probably a bit more urgent than press relations, huh?’

‘I guess we’ll find that out soon enough.’ Birthmark’s tone was either naturally sour or Sarah had touched a nerve. ‘You know, once they’re finished with the important stuff.’

‘Whatever, pal.’ Sarah’s tone was as dismissive as her words. She turned as she spoke, stepped closer to Benson and lowered her voice. ‘When the statement starts, make sure all that guy’s camera can see is your back.’

‘With pleasure.’ Benson smiled at the instruction. ‘Where will you be?’

‘Nothing to be gained from shouting out pointless questions,’ Sarah explained. ‘I’ll head back across the street and give you a clear view.’

‘Got it, boss.’

Sarah gripped Benson’s shoulder. Just for a moment. It was both a ‘thank you’ and a ‘good luck’ in one gesture, and without another word she manoeuvred her way back through the crowd. Back towards the riverside of Victoria Embankment, where she had been standing when she had called Reid.

Sarah only felt her phone vibrating once she had come to a halt. She answered as soon as she saw the caller ID.

‘Hi. Everything OK?’

‘Have you got time to meet?’ Levy asked.

‘When?’

‘Forty-five minutes. An hour at most.’

‘Storeys Wine Bar. Across from the back of Westminster Abbey.’

‘I’ll be there.’

The phone line disconnected but Sarah did not put her handset away. Instead she tapped the messaging icon, found ‘Nathan Benson’ and began to type: You’re on your own, Nathan. I’ll explain later.

It was 6.30 p.m. by the time Joelle Levy walked through the pub door. Sarah had been waiting for half an hour. Less time than Levy had estimated.

Sarah began to get to her feet to catch Levy’s attention. There was no need. Levy had already seen her, so Sarah retook her seat.

‘That was quick for a press conference.’

‘They don’t drag out when you’re not saying much,’ Levy replied. ‘It’s my round, Sarah. Same order as last time?’

‘Perfect.’

Sarah watched as Levy headed to the bar, noticing her unusual presence as she went. The DCI was not a tall woman and was in no way physically imposing, yet she had something about her which got her noticed. And which got her served immediately.

Sarah had experienced it herself the first time they had met. Back at Longman’s house. Yet she still could not place what it was. An innate authority, perhaps? Or maybe just natural charisma? Whatever the answer, Levy had it by the truckload.