‘Oh my God!’ She clasped Joseph’s arm in horror. ‘What if he sees the news! About Marcus’s death!’

‘It’s okay.’ Joseph touched her hand reassuringly. ‘I’ve already thought of that. I’ve tuned it in to specific channels: cartoon, film and kid’s stuff. It’s all pay-as-you-go, so I’ve set it up myself. He’ll get no nasty surprises from that particular television.’

Nikki relaxed, and he released his hand.

‘Oh yes, and what exactly did you whisper to him when we went in?’

‘Oh that! I told him that you were the Really Big Cheese, and if I didn’t impress you, you could send me back to Fenchester.’ He gave her a rueful smile, ‘I told him to make me look good, or I’d be history.’

‘Mm, many a true word, and all that, Sergeant Joe. Maybe you should remember that for the future.’

On their return, the station yard was packed with vehicles and Nikki had to drive with great care through the crowds of officers and volunteer helpers.

‘What, more reinforcements? This looks like organized chaos!’ Joseph said in surprise.

‘The Super said they were going to send us help from other forces.’ She looked around at the sea of uniforms. ‘At least they’ll be able to extend the search for Kerry out to the fen villages.’

‘About time,’ said Joseph gravely. ‘This is day four. If we don’t find Kerry soon, we’ll be searching for a body, not a survivor.’

They made their way up to the relative peace of the CID room, where they were met by a disconsolate Cat.

‘The officers who went out to my possible site for a mask making factory have found it totally cleared out, ma’am. It was definitely the right place. They’ve found odd pieces of rubber and a few damaged masks, but the trail ends there, I’m afraid.’ She looked down at the floor, clearly angry at herself. ‘It was gutted. All the equipment, the moulds and the basic ingredients have gone. If I’d just got on top of it a bit quicker, we may have got them.’

‘You did better than most, Detective. Don’t beat yourself up over it.’ Nikki stared at her thoughtfully. ‘I suppose they paid their rent in cash, and under a bogus name?’

‘Naturally. And scarpered owing most of it.’

‘No one saw them go? No one could identify their vehicles?’

Cat sighed. ‘Nope, and the area is dead seedy: no cameras, no security. They just disappeared into the night. It’s like they’d never existed.’

‘Cheer up. You did your best,’ said Nikki. ‘What are you working on now?’

‘Helping Dave to trace Lisa Jane’s movements on the CCTV.’

‘Good. Stick with that for the time being.’

As Cat left the room, Nikki was suddenly hit by a frightening thought, and one that left her mind reeling.