‘He always whinges. One thing he never does, though, is whinge to someone who cares.’ The DI didn’t look at her as he slumped down into his chair. ‘Go on … shoot up there before I change my mind.’

Lucy mounted the stairs with that usual mixture of elation and trepidation that always accompanied inclusion in major enquiries. It was a curious feeling, to be truthful. Most divisional CID officers had to juggle three or four minor investigations at any one time – sometimes more. It certainly kept them on their toes, but quite often it was routine stuff.

But the major investigations, or the ‘monster hunts’, were something else. On these occasions, you were after real predators, soulless psychopaths with an overwhelming urge and a huge potential to cause damage, deranged felons whose swift capture was deemed to be so important that you had to focus entirely on them, leaving everything else on the backburner. The thrill of these special investigations was often a reward in itself. This was certainly what Lucy had joined the police for.

The Robbery Squad office wasn’t too busy at this stage of the day. However, DI Blake and DS Tucker were already present, poring over a series of street maps spread on a desk in a corner of the room directly opposite from the one dedicated to the Saturday Street enquiry. Lucy also noticed that some maps had been tacked onto the walls, alongside photographs of the cashpoints she herself had earmarked as possible attack zones, plus the alley entrances and subway mouths in their vicinities. The majority of these were professional surveillance shots, taken from multiple high angles so as to fully recreate on film the anatomy of each environment. It might be early, but the Squad had clearly been busy.

DI Blake glanced up. ‘DC Clayburn … welcome.’ She herself had dressed down today, wearing only a jumper and jeans. ‘Glad you could join us.’

‘Delighted, ma’am,’ Lucy said, approaching the desk.

‘For the duration of the time you’re with us, it’s Kathy,’ Blake said, with half a smile. ‘Unless I need to pull rank on you. Which I’m sure I won’t.’

Unseen behind his boss’s shoulder, Tucker winked at Lucy.

‘I hear you’re a bit of an expert when it comes to undercover decoy work,’ the DI said.

‘I’ve done my fair share,’ Lucy replied.

Tucker grinned. ‘That’s putting it mildly, isn’t it?’

Lucy smiled coyly. ‘The last time it worked out quite well, I must admit.’

‘I’m guessing you know what I’m going to ask you?’ Blake said.

‘You want me to visit some cashpoints late at night?’

‘Correct.’ Blake indicated the spread of documentation, in particular the maps and the photos. ‘You’ve laid your plan to catch the Creep out pretty well for us …’

‘Thanks.’ Lucy nodded in sobre appreciation.