‘Given his death is linked to the arson, maybe he knew something about it?’ Dan was flicking his biro. ‘Or, as you mentioned, Maya, what if he’s the person who bungled the arson and this is his punishment?’

‘That’s exactly what’s bothering me. Someone clearly links his death with LfA and the fire at the soup shop, or they want us to make that connection. Unless it’s a deliberate attempt to send us up the wrong path, I think we need to view his murder in that context.’ I tried to get a gauge on the room. ‘I’ve also been wondering why the killer chose to dump the body at the Manor House development. We know Ryan was killed elsewhere. Why not dump his body in a ditch?’

‘That site must mean something to the killer,’ Shen offered. ‘It’s too big a risk to take otherwise.’

‘Or the killer thinks it symbolised something to Ryan,’ said Dan.

‘It did,’ I replied. ‘It symbolised him leaving his old life behind.’

‘Perhaps that’s it?’ Dan asked. ‘Perhaps the killer wanted to snuff out Ryan the person, and the new life that he created for himself? Make sure he ruined it all? Someone who’s jealous maybe?’

‘I think you may be onto something there.’ My brain was buzzing with ideas. ‘OK. Action points. For the arson, our number one priority is finding Kenny Hayes. I’m convinced the forum is the key. Alexej, tell the techs to prioritise finding his IP address.’

He gave a thumbs-up.

‘Jackie, could you check whether your contacts in the North have anything new on Kenny, please? And whether Kenny is left- or right-handed.’

‘Will do.’

‘Dan, can you find out from uniform what Mr and Mrs Turner have told them, and get an address for Kelly, please? Try the prison governor but if you need to, get over to Berwyn.’

‘Sweet,’ said Dan.

‘We need to chase up our two alley sightings. Shen, please.’

‘For Ryan, we need to find out everything there is to know. Alexej, bank statements, mobile phone data, relationship history. And chase your mate for any sightings of the vehicle and perpetrators on the Manor House CCTV. I’m about to press the site foreman on a couple of aspects of Ryan’s life. Dan, can you also speak to Manor House’s HR? I’ll get Dougie to fast-track the tyre data.’ I switched off the projector. ‘Thanks for your hard work, everyone. Let’s get closure and justice for Simas, Kelly and Ryan, and their families. And let’s make sure no-one else gets hurt.’

Dan, 10.30 a.m.

Dan, 10.30 a.m.

‘Come through,’ a drippy looking twenty-year-old simpered. With plaits and a short skirt, Dan thought she seemed about twelve. ‘Tina will see you now. I’m Jennifer. Her PA.’