A police car with two uniformed officers and Dee Samms waited around the corner for Radford’s instruction. Dee rang the DI to let them know where they were.

‘Good, they’re out of sight,’ Radford mumbled as he exited the car.

‘Nice.’ Graham gave a low whistle while looking up at the apartments and across at the spectacular view.

‘Very,’ Radford agreed. They crossed the road and searched out the patrol car to have a word with the uniformed officers before going into the flats. ‘Once we’re inside I want one of you to position yourself at the entrance and the other at the service entrance, probably round the back, and hold anyone coming out – arrest them if they don’t cooperate. So, Dee, you stay here for now. If she’s in, I’ll want you in there with us so I’ll call.’

Each apartment had its own intercom and Alex pressed the one with S Murphy beside it. No answer. He tried again and when there was still no response, he tried another buzzer and, identifying himself as a police officer, asked the occupant to let him into the building.

Once inside they made their way to Serena’s apartment on the second floor and hammered on the door. No answer.

Radford thought – but only for a split second – whether the situation warranted a forced entry. ‘Break it down, Graham,’ he said and his sergeant took great delight in using his physical bulk to affect an entry.

It was no surprise to either man that Serena was no longer there. The flat was still furnished, but a quick look around confirmed Serena had taken her clothes and personal possessions; she’d left for good.

Graham called out from the kitchen. ‘Boss, she can’t have been gone for very long. The kettle’s still warm.’

Radford’s phone rang. It was Dee. ‘Sir, I’ve just seen her! She’s with a man in a black Lexus; they pulled out of the road opposite, from behind the apartments. I’m out of the car now to find the others. Should we follow?’

‘Yes, quick as you like. Did you get the number plate?’

‘I did, sir. I’ll ring it in and have them tracked. They were heading east, perhaps for the motorway?’

From the background noise, Radford could tell Dee had found the other PCs and they were getting back into the car.

‘Do you think they saw you?’ Alex asked.

‘They couldn’t have, I was in the back seat, but they might have noticed the car.’

Alex nodded. ‘So, they could know we’ve tracked them to Portishead but they might think they’ve given us the slip. We’re right behind you, Dee. Ring in with the registration number and we’ll see if we can find them. With a bit of luck they’ll be heading for the motorway – to London perhaps.’