They went over everything again. Lane’s financial details. His work record with the Hollands. They were in the middle of compiling a full list of all his deliveries in the last few years – no easy task considering the man travelled the country every other week. But Tom’s team was looking for patterns. Lane might be renting somewhere with cash payments which would require recurring visits.

‘We’ll have to release his identity in the morning, if we make no progress,’ the inspector told the team. ‘See if anybody comes forward with information. A landlord we don’t know about, hopefully.’

‘Could he have been in league with Vincent Carney?’ Bridget asked. ‘Should we search his house again, see if there’s something we missed?’

‘It was a thorough search the first time and I can’t see the two of them being in this together,’ Tom answered. ‘But we can’t rule anything out so, yes, get a team out there first thing.’

‘Are we still considering her boyfriend and, eh, the other person of interest we dealt with?’ Michael asked, meaning Healy. His involvement still wasn’t widely known.

‘Yes. We will have to speak to them again tomorrow. Is there anything more from Emmet’s team?’

‘He’s still working through the DNA,’ Ray informed the room. He’d returned from the hospital earlier and got straight back into it. ‘He’s managed to isolate two unknown groupings. One of them could be Fiona’s. He says his team will keep going through the night.’

‘Good. Well, even though I’m inspired by their dedication to work, I think we need to call it a night ourselves, folks, and come in fresh in the morning. Go home and get some rest.’

There were grateful sighs around the room from the exhausted officers.

Ray approached Tom as the room was emptying.

‘You’re planning to stay, aren’t you?’

‘You know me so well.’

‘Yep. Of all of us, boss, you need the rest the most. Why don’t you tell me what it is you need done and I’ll do it? I owe you one.’

‘How’s that?’

‘You figured out Charlie Lane yesterday. If you hadn’t …’

‘One of you would have.’

Ray shrugged.

‘I don’t know. I think that’s why you get the big bucks.’

Tom smiled.

‘Okay. But I don’t really know what it is I’m trying to figure out. My head is all over the place.’

‘Wouldn’t you feel better if you slept on it?’

The inspector rubbed his jaw.

‘I don’t know how to explain it, junior. It’s just … there.’ He reached out his hand like he was trying to touch something he couldn’t see. ‘I won’t be able to sleep until I put my finger on it.’

‘I get it. But where are you going to begin?’

Tom bit his lip.