Once Alexej finished on LfA, we agreed our strategy for monitoring the flash mob, and then needed to return to the morning briefing.

‘OK, everyone,’ I said. ‘Grab a cuppa, clear your heads, and let’s resume in a couple of minutes to review lines of inquiry on Patrick Ryan’s murder.’

While I was waiting, I scanned some of the reports that had been filed overnight. Dougie had sent over preliminary forensics and Dr Clark had managed to conduct his post-mortem yesterday, so the PM report was on file. Cause of death was blood loss resulting from gunshot wounds. Tongue cut out post-mortem with a butcher’s knife, by someone almost definitely left-handed. The forensic lab confirmed that the hairs came from a mixed breed dog, greyhound and collie cross, and there were traces of plastic on Ryan’s clothing. So, Ryan had been wrapped in plastic at some point, and we were looking for someone who was left-handed and had a lurcher. The CSIs had preserved numerous sets of tyre marks and finger prints, but were having to eliminate those that belonged to site staff and vehicles before they could report.

Alexej and Dan were the first to return to the briefing room.

Dan handed me a mug of coffee, which I took gratefully. I was sure neither of us wanted tension in the team.

‘I think Jackie’s bunked off for a fag,’ he said jokingly.

‘I heard that, Sergeant,’ came Jackie’s mock-remonstrative voice, as she arrived with Shen and a few of the analysts and a technician.

‘Right, let’s make this brief so we can all get out there and find these bastards.’ I filled the team in on Patrick Ryan’s PM report, the dog hairs and CSI evidence. ‘Alexej, where are we with Manor House CCTV?’

‘It’s a huge site, and there’s so much of it, I’ve sent the film over to the Stratford viewing suite. I’ve got a mate who’s a team leader over there. He owes me a favour, and he’s put two of his guys on it. I’ve briefed them on the date and critical times, and he’s going to report back to me as soon as they see something.’

‘Good. Thanks. Shen, where are we with H-2-H and eyewitnesses?’

‘Not great, Boss, I’m afraid. The co-ordinator says the area around the site isn’t a regular residential street. There’s the school, the church, the sixth form college, the farm. They’ve not found it easy to interview people, and currently there’s nothing of interest to report.’

‘So, hypotheses for Ryan’s murder?’ I reviewed the list I’d made on my pad. One, in particular, was concerning me.