‘That’s a fascinating point of view.’ Rogers’ tone did not agree with his words. ‘Why don’t you enlighten me on that? What was the big success with the very public arrest of Wisdom Penfold? Because I was struggling to see that as it was plastered all over the evening news.’

‘Wisdom Penfold was a murderer fleeing the jurisdiction. As we now know it, he had killed an associate of Barry Ireland and stole three million pounds’ worth of diamonds. He is now in custody for that murder, the killing of the victim’s boyfriend and the murder of one undercover officer and the serious assault of another. I fail to see how that’s a disappointment.’

‘It’s a disappointment, Joelle, because he is not in custody for Phillip Longman’s murder. Because you have wasted time and resources chasing a bloody red herring. We have two crucifixions thirty-six hours apart, including one of a very important man, and yet you then spend a day and a half chasing a lead that has nothing whatsoever to do with this case and a police officer ends up dead. Do you think the press will miss that?’

‘With all due respect, sir, we can’t be obsessed with what the press say. If they find out that Penfold’s initial arrest was for Longman then yes, they’ll crow about it. But only until we find the real killer. It’ll be temporary.’

‘Temporary? You think that matters? We’re judged today on yesterday’s results. And that judgement comes fast. Are you so sure you’ll have time to put this right? That you won’t just be replaced?’

‘Well that’s your call, sir.’ Levy was shocked at the suggestion but she refused to show it. ‘If you want to replace me then replace me. But it won’t make me agree that Penfold’s arrest was a bad result. We’ve put a murderer away for the rest of his life.’

‘At the cost of a surveillance officer. How do you think that will play out? Have you watched the news? They’re already suggesting that our intervention cost the officer his life. That if we hadn’t turned the ferry around the team could have followed him and effected the arrest in Holland with the cooperation of the Dutch authorities.’

‘Sir, the press—’

‘It’s not just the press, Levy. It’s the bloody NCA as well. They’ve lost two valuable agents; one dead, the other likely invalided. And they say they’ve lost a whole operation, too. That because of us their investigation into Barry Ireland and that Bond Street business is dead in the water.’

‘Now that’s just a bloody lie, sir.’

Levy could not help but raise her voice. She could handle the truth. Even when it was spun and distorted. That was the job. But outright dishonesty was another thing altogether.

Levy continued.

‘The NCA operation was dead the moment Penfold killed Ireland’s man. Penfold wasn’t leading them to anyone that could connect the diamonds to Ireland. The NCA know that. Penfold had stolen the diamonds. He was going to sell the whole lot and run. They know that. If they say otherwise they’re lying.’