Across the road from the station a reporter was being filmed, microphone in hand. The camera turned to her car as she drew into the car park which she noted was filling up. She backed into her usual space, an uneasy feeling in her stomach. All these officers, waiting for her to tell them what to do. The same officers who’d stared at her yesterday when she was desperately trying to explain the significance of Willie. Was she on the wrong track? And, if she was, who would be first to tell her? ‘Anyone but Tony, please,’ she said out loud as she killed the engine.

Jim met her as she walked through the front office. ‘DCI McAvettie won’t be in today,’ he said. ‘Seems he’s a bit under the weather.’

‘Nothing trivial, I hope?’ she said, before she could stop herself.

He suppressed a smile. ‘Bit of a tummy upset, I gather.’

‘Thanks, Jim. Briefing in fifteen minutes.’

Her office felt cold when she entered. One of those summer days when it was colder inside than out and she regretted her choice of thin top under the suit jacket. She sat in her chair, glad to have the office back to herself – for today at least. A welcome break from Tony whose sole interest in the investigation was to have it tied up quickly so he could claim the credit. All the same, she’d have welcomed someone to chat it over with.

As if on cue, Chris’s head appeared round the door. ‘Morning, Clare.’

She waved him in. ‘Hi Chris. I’m just taking five. Then I’ll be in for the briefing.’

He came into the room and pulled out a chair. ‘You okay this morning?’

She smiled. ‘Yeah, don’t worry. Temper firmly under control.’ She rose from her seat, rubbing her arms. ‘I’m cold this morning. Let’s get a warm drink.’

They took their drinks into the incident room which, thanks to its south-facing aspect, was warmer. Clare moved to her usual place in front of the whiteboard and put down her mug. ‘Let’s make a start then.’ She scanned the room. ‘Any luck with the e-fit? Anyone recognise Willie?’

There were murmurs of No, boss and Sorry, boss and Clare went on. ‘SOCO? Any word from them?’

Chris raised his hand. ‘They finished up at the shelter late last night. Raymond said he’d let us know if he finds any DNA matches.’

Clare nodded. ‘What about the DNA we took from the house party yesterday?’

‘Negative, Clare. Sorry – no matches with the gun cartridge.’

Across the room a phone began buzzing and Janey picked it up. She put it to her ear and headed out to take the call.

‘What about Gaby and Luke?’ Clare went on. ‘Any sign of them?’