‘Ah, yes. I was tasked by the Home Office late last night. We both know that it’s the involvement of Lord Reilly that’s driving this, but it’s the other passenger who’s actually making everyone nervous. If we can rule it as an accident and move on then that’s all well and good. It should only take a matter of weeks to get this thing done and dusted then we can all go back to our normal jobs,’ he said.

Kelly felt a little deflated. The driver behind the intense scrutiny given to this particular accident was the importance of one passenger, and the only one who’d managed to survive. It wasn’t fair. She wondered whether she would even be involved if Bartholomew Kennedy-Craig had been the only victim last night?

‘I’ve informed the AAIB that you are my choice of commander,’ he continued. ‘I need all agencies working together on this. You’ll coordinate all the inquiries and report directly to me. I need answers fast. You have the support of the Home Office and so your purse strings are very healthy compared to what we normally have. Also, your scope includes all armed forces, so get in some RAF experts if you wish, as well as emergency services. The Penrith and Lakes and Carlisle University hospitals are aware.’ He sat back.

‘Right, sir.’ Kelly’s head spun.

He waited. He knew her well enough to know that she needed a bit of time to process new cases, not because she didn’t know what to do first, but, quite the opposite; she wanted to get her ducks in a row and decide on a strategy. It was a huge responsibility.

‘Sir, have you seen the news about the Army Air Corps instructor who gave an interview to the press about the crash being as a result of sabotage?’

‘Indeed I have.’

‘I think I’ll start there,’ she said. Major Lance Tatterall had been interviewed by a lone reporter who’d caught him outside the Wasdale Inn, and, it would seem, in a moment of remiss. The poor guy had been ambushed, and all of his training to say fuck all had gone out of the window. He’d simply gone outside to think, and they were there. Or that’s what Johnny told her. She sensed an affection from her former lover towards the pilot, and that was a good sign for Kelly. She could forgive him a stupid comment to the press; anyone would be freaked out by watching a helicopter crash and then spending all day on the mountain helping the rescue effort. Kelly wanted to thank him in person.

‘Be careful with that one, Kelly. It’s common for witnesses to dramatise events in these situations. Concentrate on getting the AAIB report wrapped up,’ he said.

The coffee arrived and she took the sugar bowl and added a spoonful to hers and stirred.