‘Right, thanks, Emma. So, on to yesterday’s crash. I thought I would be handing over to the AAIB today, but surprise, surprise, and I can confirm that this is strongly to do with the cabinet minister being a passenger, I’m opening a new investigation based on a question mark over the cause of the crash and suspected criminal intent. We have to rule everything out. So, let’s get to it.’

She tapped keys on her computer, and slides appeared on the whiteboard at the head of the room.

‘This man, Major Lance Tatterall, is the chief instructor for the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. He was staying at the Wasdale Inn and saw the ’copter come down. He’s saying it didn’t look like an accident. I’m going over there to interview him officially. I need to get my head around how these death traps fly, or don’t,’ she said. ‘I’ve already spoken to the RAF about the pilots’ records; they’re exemplary. In fact, the instructor staying at the Wasdale Inn, our main witness, knew both of them.’

Eyebrows were raised and notes jotted.

‘It’s a tinder keg in the press. A cabinet minister and a rich Tory party donor together on a privately chartered aircraft; it looks bad. We need to cut through the bullshit. That’s not to say I want to ignore what’s being reported – we can use it to our advantage, but keep an open mind. Kate, I’m putting you on the Reilly family. I want to know as much about the Right Honourable Donald Reilly as you can dig up. Rob, you can work with Kate on this, and look into the dead passenger, Bartholomew Kennedy-Craig. Why were they together? What were they up to at the weekend? Lord Reilly was attending a climate conference in Glenridding, see what he did there. He was egged, we know that much. Find Neil Hardy, and bring him in again. Arrange to interview all family members. I believe most of them are in London, though Elaine Reilly and her two children are here at the Penrith and Lakes. And Rob, apply your silky skills to the Kennedy-Craig family company, Tactika Enterprises, will you?’

Rob had a nose for business, and had he not gone into the force, he’d have been a high flyer in the City. Or a money-launderer for a drugs cartel. Thankfully, he was on their side. He had a knack for hunting out any foul play, especially when it was well hidden, and the press were having wet dreams over the reporting on Kennedy-Craig’s questionable practices around the globe, which was why the PM was embarrassed. Kelly wanted to know why.