‘Good. Get a quick report up to me so I have something for the press – nothing too juicy, just enough to keep them going.’

‘No problem. You’ll have that shortly.’

‘And Inspector, one more thing.’

Tom waited.

‘If the former chief superintendent does try to become involved in this case, you will remember that he’s no longer in situ? My heart goes out to Mr McGuinness and his wife, but there’s only room for one head of this department.’

It was like being crept up on and slapped in the back of the head. Kennedy had reeled Tom in, then thrown a dig at Sean.

‘Somebody’s here to see me,’ the inspector said. ‘I’ll check in later.’

He ended the call and stared at the phone like it was contaminated.

Kennedy was an idiot.

The only thing that mattered right now was finding this serial killer and establishing whether or not he’d taken Fiona Holland. Kennedy should have been asking the inspector to use his friendship with Sean to avail of his experience and advice. But his insecurity and pride were more important to him than the case at hand.

More and more, Tom disliked his new boss.

CHAPTER 8

Summer suited the Meath countryside.

Tom and Ray had driven west through the picturesque town of Trim, with its ancient castle and narrow streets. They were now in the more rural end of the county. The hedgerows that lined the roads were pruned to perfection, the grassy fields beyond the knee-high stone walls a rich, fertile green. Meath was known as the Royal County, having once been the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. As they drove, Tom could see the royal colours in the green and gold bunting that locals had hung out in support of the county’s Gaelic footballers, who were playing a championship match in Croke Park that Sunday afternoon.

The combination of the tranquil scenery, the humming of lawn mowers and the smell of weekend barbecues was almost enough to make Tom feel relaxed. Almost.

‘I wish we’d taken my car,’ Ray moaned, rolling up his window to keep out the smoke billowing from the exhaust of his boss’ Citroёn. ‘You need to get that seen to.’

‘It was in the garage last week,’ Tom said. ‘It’s just the system cleaning itself out, nothing to worry about. Diesel engines get a bit clogged up.’

‘All diesels, or just yours?’

Ray fiddled with the air conditioning, turning the cold air up as high as it would go. The car was struggling to keep the heat of the day at bay.