‘She’s already here sir. She was taken into the hospital mortuary a few minutes ago. Professor Wilkinson will do the post-mortem this evening.’

‘Rory Wilkinson? He’s from your neck of the woods, isn’t he, Sergeant?’

‘Yes, sir. He’s covering while your own man is up at the Old Bailey as an expert witness. Wilkinson is a brilliant forensic scientist.’

‘If you can put up with his weird sense of humour. I know him, Sergeant. And you’re right, he is very good.’

Nikki felt relieved. She had known the girl, and wanted her treated respectfully. If his reputation was to be believed, Professor Wilkinson would do just that.

‘Now …’ the Super ran a big hand through his iron-grey hair, ‘… we have to break the news to the Leonard family. Lisa Jane needs to be formally identified.’

‘I’ll do it.’ said Nikki. Then she looked across at Joseph, and corrected herself. ‘I meant, we’ll do it, sir.’

The Super stared at her for a second, his expression mildly confused, then he nodded. ‘Okay, but do it quickly. This is one bit of news I do not want him coming by on the underworld grapevine.’ He sat back in his chair, and Nikki saw deep worry lines etched all over his already craggy face. ‘And be careful, Nikki. I know you have a particular rapport with Archie, but the situation itself could be like lighting a firecracker under a powder keg. The Leonards will want revenge.’

‘I know that, Super. And we’ll do whatever it takes to keep him from starting a bloodbath, I promise.’

‘How much are you prepared to tell him?’

She thought for a moment, then said, ‘Everything, sir. I need his help, so he has to know all the facts.’

The superintendent pursed his lips. ‘You trust him more than I do, but I’ll support you in whatever you decide, Inspector. Now, you have a job to do. I suggest you go do it.’

As they drove towards the Carborough Estate, Nikki was forced to wonder just how good her relationship with Archie would be after this meeting was over. The only thing she knew for sure was that her sorrow for his loss was genuine, and he would realize that. She began to rehearse what she would say, then gave up. There were no right words at a time like this. You just had to hope that what you did say came from the heart, and didn’t finish up sounding like a load of tawdry platitudes.

‘What happened to Hannah?’

Joseph’s voice broke into her thoughts, and for a minute she felt like telling him to mind his own sodding business. Then she remembered his kindness earlier, and the fact that he had shared some pretty painful memories with her.