‘Too early to say, but it’s worth keeping an eye open. My point is perhaps it was the same with Billy, Stan and Noel. Perhaps the killer offered them cash for their time.’

‘Billy Perrin left Sharon on the Strand two weeks back. He told her he had somewhere to be. If Billy had found a way to get cash he would grab it. It was the same night that Stephen witnessed the abduction from Alaska Street. I’m sure of it. Os will have the date shortly when he gets hold of the CCTV.’

Quinn scrunches his face.

‘Why are you pulling that expression?’

‘You’re not going to like this. Os left for the evening half an hour back.’

‘Shit! Why did you let him go?’

‘I assumed he had spoken to you.’

‘He hadn’t!’

Quinn raises his hands. ‘Sorry.’

‘Shit!’ Archer repeats. Standing, she looks across the third floor at DCI Pierce who is in her office and packing up for the evening.

‘I need to talk with Pierce,’ she says, leaving the incident room.

She knocks on Pierce’s door and enters. The DCI looks up with an expression that combines both surprise and boredom. Archer wonders how she does that.

‘Ma’am, a quick word, please.’

Pierce picks up a laptop bag and a large handbag. ‘I’m about to leave for the evening, Archer. What is it?’

‘I’d like to request the secondment of an NCA analyst to come and help us.’

‘We have Os Pike. He is our analyst.’ Pierce heads for the door.

‘But ma’am . . .’

‘I don’t have time for this.’

‘Ma’am, Os isn’t up to the task.’

Pierce stops and rounds on Archer, eyes wide, jaw tight. ‘Like DI Hicks isn’t up to the task, DI Archer. Who else on my team doesn’t measure up to your high standards? Would you suggest I sack everyone and replace them with your NCA colleagues?’

‘Ma’am, I’m sorry . . .’

‘You are a Met officer under my supervision. For the time being you are my SIO. Do your job, DI Archer, stop criticising others and get me some results. Understood?’

Archer feels her neck burning. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

She says nothing more and watches Pierce leave. She sighs and folds her arms.

Perhaps Pierce is right.

Perhaps Archer is the problem.

Quinn approaches. ‘What was that about?’

‘I wanted to convince Pierce to bring Klara on to the team. I didn’t handle it as well as I could have.’

Quinn looks around as if to ensure no one else is listening.

‘Listen, for what it’s worth, since the Rees scandal things have been raw for Pierce. Her reputation faltered and questions were raised about her fitness for the role. She was banging her DI, for Chrissake. What did she expect? Anyway, she survived the inquisition and didn’t lose her job, but she did lose respect and I hate to say this but . . .’