I sensed that what Jackie was saying was true, but I had a nagging feeling that it wasn’t the whole story. Kenny Hayes might be the common denominator, but I couldn’t see any tangible reason for him to want to burn down Rosa’s shop, or the soup shop. I was sure there was more to it than— ‘That’s it. I’ve got it.’

I stood, facing Alexej and Jackie.

My body ran hot then cold as the realisation took shape in my mind. ‘I thought it could have been any of Kenny’s recruits, but it’s been under our noses all the time. Ali’s the person who got the shop wrong.’ I got up and went over to the board. Pointed at the SMS and looked at Jackie. ‘“The shop on right wiv a star above a blue front door.” It’s such an easy mistake to make. If they weren’t sure, most adults would check, but a kid might not. They’d assume the adult gave them the right information. If they were in a panic, living a life of chaos and fear, they’d be even less likely to check.’ All eyes were on me. ‘Ali’s English isn’t good either. When I interviewed him on Friday, he got his left and right mixed up. I reckon he got the wrong shop and that’s why Kenny killed him – not because he brought the social workers to their door, but because he ballsed up a job.’

Alexej jumped out of his seat and joined me at the boards.

‘I knew whoever made the mistake was going to pay.’ I said. ‘You were right, Jackie. Kenny will not stop at anything.’

Maya, 9 a.m.

Maya, 9 a.m.

Nicola Grant opened the door looking very different from the way Dan had described her. Gone was the make-up and the expensive clothes. She had greasy night cream plastered all over her face and was wearing pyjamas. Her skin was red and blotchy from crying, and her eyes looked sore.

‘I rang a few times but kept getting your voicemail,’ I said. ‘I would like to ask you a few more questions. Could I come in?’

There were no signs or sounds of either daughter in the flat.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as though needing to inhale some patience, some strength perhaps. ‘If you have to,’ she said unenthusiastically, and she stepped back for me to pass her into the flat.

‘Sorry if I woke you.’

‘I’ve had migraine. I got up to get the girls ready for school. Alan’s just dropped them off and gone to work. I went back to bed.’

She took me into the lounge. ‘Has something happened?’ she asked over her shoulder.

‘We’ve received some information which puts the arson in a fresh light. As we believe they’re connected, that affects how we are approaching Patrick’s murder.’