‘Sorry, I didn’t mean that. I know you can, I didn’t think you’d be interested.’

‘It might be fundamental,’ she said.

He explained everything Lance had told him about torque forces and the role of the tail rotor, and what it would take to render it useless, and bring down the ’copter.

‘He said that at high speeds, a skilled pilot might be able to control the spin and accomplish an emergency counter force. Of course, flying over Scafell Pike doesn’t really leave much room for a smooth emergency landing. Google it. I have. It sounds lame, but it’s all over the news about the cabinet minister.’

‘I know, I haven’t spoken to the chief constable yet but I’m guessing there’ll be a summons from him by the time I get to Eden House. Whatever the outcome of the accident investigation, this now throws doubt over the cause of the deaths, and so there’ll be a police investigation opened. Suspected criminal intent can’t be ignored if this guy’s observations can be verified. It’s not lame, by the way. I believe you. What’s this Lance character like?’

‘He’s a good bloke. I actually know some people who’ve worked with him.’

‘How did he know the pilots?’ she asked.

‘It’s a small world. They were both ex-RAF.’ He paused. ‘I’m guessing you’ll be chosen to lead it, the investigation I mean, given you were up there all day and night yesterday.’

She knew he assumed correctly. He knew her institution well. The police was akin to the army in terms of procedures. Her name was already being linked with any future investigation on certain news channels. Of course she’d be tasked with the job. But she wanted it. Having seen the carnage on the mountainside and the extent of suffering caused, she already felt involved, and now there was the possibility that the crash had been sabotage, there was no chance she would want to walk away from the case. Her mind was already whirring with questions.

‘Thanks, Johnny, and thank you for yesterday. Getting so many people up there so fast saved lives.’

She’d slipped back into official mode and he noticed. It had the effect of making him withdraw, and he’d just opened up to her for the first time in two months, possibly longer, given how guarded they’d been over the whole Ian Burton investigation. She’d blown it. He’d said he missed her in his bed, but did that mean that he loved her, or just that he missed sex with her?

Right now, she had other priorities, and they hung up.

She went back into the house and found Ted there.