Chief Constable Andrew Harris called Kelly on her way to work, as she sat in traffic on the A66 towards Penrith. It was just as easy to turn off to the circular route around the town and head to Carleton Hall, to see him face to face.

He was an old-school copper and Kelly had much affection for him. Their relationship had been solidified over the prison riot inside HMP Highton in the autumn. Her best friend also happened to be dating him. Kate and Andrew had felt instant attraction when he’d taken over the position in the summer. They were both divorced and available, and they both shared a wicked sense of humour. It was a second chance for both of them. The HR department was aware. They’d been informed on Kelly’s advice, considering the difference in rank between the two officers. Relationships in the force weren’t banned, but when potential influence was concerned, for example over promotions, favouritism and the like, then one had to declare it. They had. Kelly could see that they were besotted with each other and wanted to protect them, which was why she never took Kate to Carleton Hall any more. They needed to be professionally distant.

The headquarters was a 1960s extension of a nineteenth-century pile, and it sat in splendid isolation on the outskirts of Penrith, surrounded by rolling fields and ancient woodland. It was peaceful and rather beautiful, and a welcome retreat on days when Kelly needed to get her head together. Her shoes crunched on the gravel as she headed to the main entrance and showed her lanyard, signing in for an hour. She was asked if she wanted coffee and accepted one gratefully. It was becoming her new bad habit. She’d never felt the effects of too much caffeine, but her intake had definitely climbed up. Not since her days at the Met had she consumed so many stimulants. Sod it; it was going to be one of those days.

She was shown straight into Andrew’s office, where she found him peering at his computer.

‘Hi Kelly, sit down, please. Good to see you,’ he said.

They swapped pleasantries. They never discussed his relationship with her second in command, but she was envious of them: their freedom, their freshness and simplicity, and the fact that Kate had a warm body waiting for her at her lover’s house. No bloody wonder he was smiling. Had Kate gone over there last night? She knew that Kate would be in a great mood all day too, lucky buggers.

‘You can imagine how much heat is on me right now,’ he said.

She sat down and nodded, taking off her thick walking coat and gloves.

‘Let’s make sure we’re together on this. What are our priorities?’ he asked.

‘Sir, are you assigning this as a new case? I guessed it would be made official, but I’ve had no confirmation,’ she said.