When he was able to face the men he found them sitting in stunned silence. He tried to tell them more, but all he could say was, “It’s Tom’s birthday today, it’s his son’s birthday . . . I bought him a magic set, and . . .” He wandered over to his desk. There at the side was the big package, the train set he had taken so long to choose. He stood staring down at it. The men, deeply shocked, didn’t know what to say.

Otley’s voice was barely audible. “We were going to set it up, surprise Tom. It’s from Hamley’s . . .”

DI Burkin, head and shoulders taller than his skipper, slipped an arm around him. The big officer’s tears were streaming down his face, but Otley had no more tears. He clenched his fists, shrugged Burkin away.

“Right, let’s nail this bastard Marlow! We do it for our guv’nor, we break the fucking record, agreed?”

It was down to Superintendent Kernan to visit Sheila Shefford. Otley had agreed to accompany him, but Kernan didn’t know if it was such a good idea, the man was so distressed. In the end he decided to take DI Burkin along. No matter which way you looked at it, it was tragic.

Anticipating a harrowing time with Sheila and her family, Kernan’s mood was not receptive. When Jane Tennison asked for a few minutes with him his first reaction was to refuse, but she had insisted it was important.

When he realized what she wanted he stared at her in disbelief. He was still in shock himself and he turned on her, ordering her out of his office. But she stood her ground, fists clenched.

“Look, please, I’m sorry if I appear heartless, but all I am doing is offering to finish the investigation. John was ready to charge the suspect and someone has to take over, he’s not going to be well enough. We can’t hold Marlow much longer, we’ll have to apply for a three-day lay-down, but either way someone has to take . . .”

Kernan gripped her tightly by the elbow. “The man’s not even cold! For God’s sake, I can’t make any decisions now. When I do, you will be the first to hear. Now get out of my office . . .”

“Cold?” She stared at him. “He’s dead? But he can’t be . . .”

“I didn’t realize you hadn’t been told. John was dead when he reached the hospital. Now will you get out?”

Appalled, she shook her head as if to clear it, drew a deep breath, then plunged on, “But you will have to make a decision, sir, and I am offering to step in right now. I can familiarize myself with the case tonight, and if charges . . .”

“I said I would consider your offer, Jane.”