‘Oh dear, those ears make him look like the FA Cup, don’t they?’ Yvonne held the picture at arms length, then smiled. ‘This is Petey Redfield. Tag name, Piet. Lives on the Carborough with his married sister, Rene. Mum in rehab, dad in the Scrubs.’ Yvonne handed back the photo to Cat. ‘He’s no real trouble, and he has no convictions, which is something of a miracle considering his family. His only problem is that he can’t keep his grubby little finger off the nozzle of a spray can.’ She pulled a face. ‘I’ve felt his collar a few times and had a word with his headmaster. Shame really, as his school reckon he could be a top art student. He’s got the flair and the ability to learn, but—’

‘Yeah, I get the picture,’ said Cat. ‘No attention at home, no parental guidance and no support. So he goes out and gets noticed by using an aerosol can. So who does he hang out with?’

‘A few other Graffiti kids. No one heavy.’

Niall made a slurping noise with his coffee. ‘Actually, he’s got real talent. If I could paint like he can, I wouldn’t be hanging off a railway bridge somewhere, I’d be trying to get myself into college.’

‘Yeah, well, that’s where the difference lies, mate, and why you’re in gainful employment and he’s hanging off a bleedin’ bridge with a paint can gripped between his teeth! Got an address for the sister?’

‘43 Tennyson Buildings. Her name’s Rene Wilson,’ Yvonne replied immediately.

‘We really don’t need a Police National Computer with you around!’ said Niall shaking his head incredulously. ‘Is there anyone you don’t know in Greenborough?’

‘I don’t know who abducted Kerry Anderson, and that’s the only name we really need, isn’t it?’

‘And that of whoever killed the other girl,’ whispered Niall. ‘Is it true she was wearing one of those rat-masks when they found her?’

‘Seems that way,’ said Cat. ‘But no one is talking about it, so I suggest you belt up and keep it to yourself.’

‘This one has a very big gob.’ muttered Yvonne. ‘One day it’ll get him into deep shit.’

‘Nah!’ Niall grinned broadly. ‘I’m just enthusiastic, that’s all. Now, if you’ve finished that drink, let’s go nail some bad guys!’

Yvonne raised her eyes to the heavens. ‘Any room in your department, Cat? I’d pay good money to get in! In fact—’

‘Collins! Farrow! Get your arses into that car of yours! There’s been a serious attack on a youngster.’

‘Where, Sarge?’ called out Yvonne, as she ran towards the door.

‘Just around the corner, in the recreation ground by the river.’

‘Show us committed, sir! We’re on our way!’

‘Do you think Leonard can be trusted, ma’am?’ Joseph perched on the edge of Nikki’s desk.