She notices Felton glancing nervously at Hicks. ‘Erm . . . we visited some bars . . .’

Hicks interjects, ‘We did as instructed and made enquiries at surrounding businesses.’

Archer levels her gaze at Hicks. ‘What did you learn?’

He pauses before responding. ‘No one saw anything. It was early in the morning and everywhere was shut.’

A ripple of despair waves through Archer. How can she be SIO with a DCI and a DI that clearly despise her?

‘DI Archer, we are at a juncture. What do you propose your team do to progress the investigation?’

All heads turn to Archer.

‘Ma’am, we have no idea when the killer will strike next. That’s a given. Our best chance at preventing further murders is to get more boots on the ground. We need to go back to the homeless and ask them if they have been approached by someone offering them money or if they have seen someone hanging around. Someone must know something. We just need to get out there and talk to people.’

‘Agreed. Please make it happen.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

Pierce continues, ‘I have other news. The Chief Constable has asked me to head up the investigation into the disappearance of Lewis Faulkner. Therefore I will be dividing my time between this case and the search for Mr Faulkner. I will need you to all to step up and support Detective Inspector Archer to the best of your ability.’

Archer shifts in her chair.

‘DI Archer, you mentioned you had a colleague in the NCA who can help us out?’

Archer’s pulse quickens. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘Is Charlie Bates willing to release her?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘Then bring her in. We need all the help we can get.’

‘I’ll do it straightaway.’

Pierce gathers her papers and stands up. ‘Thank you all. You understand what you must do next. DI Archer will lead the charge.’

As the DCI leaves the room Archer addresses the team. ‘Any questions?’

There are none.

‘That’s it, then. We are all up to date now. You have a part description of the killer and the photos of our victims. Good luck.’

With the exception of Hicks and Felton, Archer senses an excited buzz as the team leave the incident room.

When she is alone she dials Quinn’s number but there is no response. She crosses the office to Mark Beattie’s desk. ‘Mark, is DS Quinn due in today?’

‘I believe so. All leave has been cancelled for the duration of the investigation. I can call him if you like.’

‘I already have. Thanks, Mark.’

Archer decides to wait around for Quinn to show up and uses the time to check in with Charlie and Klara and catch up on paperwork too. One hour passes and Quinn has still not shown up or answered her calls.