Before Lucy could reply, she saw the door open and Kirsty Banks from the DO come in, paperwork in hand. Midweek, divisional CID would often run with a skeletal staff on nights. As such, when Lucy had checked in after the unsuccessful obbo on Hatchwood Green, Banks had been in the office alone, engrossed in her laptop. She was a plump, doughy girl, with limp fair hair and pale, pudgy features. But she was a good sort, a smart detective, popular with her colleagues and always ready with a roaring laugh.

She stood in the open doorway, rolling back the sleeves of her cardigan as she looked around. When she zoned in on DI Blake, she made her way over there.

‘Don’t look now, but something’s occurring,’ Lucy said.

Tucker straightened up where he sat, to get a better angle. ‘Always the same, isn’t it?’ he said. ‘You clear out one set of a villains and another bunch pop up.’

Banks was now deep in conversation with Blake, and showing her the document she carried. Whatever info she imported, and it clearly was of some importance, Blake turned and passed it on to those detectives standing around her. The music was switched off and the DI climbed onto a stool.

‘Can I have everyone’s attention?’ she shouted.

The rest of the room fell quiet.

‘Anyone in here who’s not too bladdered to do some work?’

There were mumbles of uncertainty.

‘Okay … anyone in here who fancies pulling some overtime tonight?’

The mumbles in response to this were more assertive.

‘We’ve copped for a job,’ she said. ‘But I want honesty … anyone cross-eyed and stinking of ale, go home and get some kip. Sign on in the morning as usual. Anyone who thinks they can work, get some coffee down you … briefing in the office in ten.’

Lucy stood up as the Robbery Squad began to bustle, some drinking up, others adjusting collars, mopping back sweaty hair. Tucker left Lucy’s side, sauntering over to speak with DI Blake, while Kirsty Banks came the other way.

Lucy accosted her near the door. ‘What’s going on?’

‘You’re not going to believe this,’ Banks said. ‘Andy Northwood’s been shot and killed.’

‘Flash Andy?’

‘The same. And in his own pad, would you believe.’

Lucy was fascinated but puzzled. ‘How does that involve Robbery Squad?’

‘By the looks of it, it’s a robbery. A home invasion. DCS Billington’s at the scene as we speak. Stan’s on his way too, and so is DSU Nehwal.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Roy Billington was head of CID on November Division, while Detective Superintendent Priya Nehwal was second-in-command of GMP Serious Crime, which meant that this was a gold-standard response to a robbery/homicide. But considering the AP was Andy Northwood, a career criminal rumoured to be affiliated to the Crew, it was perhaps understandable.

‘Apologies but we’re ending the party early,’ Tucker said, reappearing.