‘You’re probably right but it will put the frighteners up Hagworth and put pressure on whoever is going to run the case in Alexia’s absence to fold. Ask Solly to prepare a cost schedule for negotiation purposes, and give the insurers an update with a deceptively positive spin on it.’

Okoro stretched, yawned. ‘Will do. I’ll get working on the papers.’ He heaved himself out of the chair, which seemed to trigger Georgie to stand up as well.

‘What do you want me to do?’ she asked. She had that look in her eyes Priest had seen before – the thirst. She wanted to find out what was going on just as much as he did and she wasn’t going to let anything get in her way. Georgie and her Oxfam cardigan would travel to the ends of the earth itself if she thought it was the right thing to do.

‘You’re coming with me,’ Priest told her. ‘We’re going to a cafe and I’m going to buy you a coffee.’

An email from Maureen popped up on the screen nearest to Priest. DCI Rowlinson in reception for you.

‘Is that it?’ asked Georgie, unsure.

‘That’s it.’

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Tiff Rowlinson took the seat opposite Priest and looked around the office. His hair was swept back, every strand perfectly aligned, although what sorcery was used to keep it that way Priest couldn’t fathom. He carried a pilot’s bag, a little worn around the edges, which he placed carefully down next to the chair.

‘Can I offer you a hot beverage?’ Priest asked.

‘Afraid I don’t have the time, but thank you,’ Rowlinson replied. ‘Nice place.’

‘It suits our needs, although the rates are upsetting. I’m sorry, as you know I’m really awkward at small talk, can we cut to the chase?’

Rowlinson sighed before reaching down to the bag, from which he produced an iPad. He started flicking through it while continuing to talk.

‘We’re working with the theory that Ali and Elias had the same killer,’ Rowlinson said. ‘The murders were carried out with precision by someone who knew what they were doing. Not a professional – assassins don’t use their hands to suffocate people – but not an amateur either. Post-mortem is happening shortly.’

‘How are you getting on sussing out a motivation for said murders?’

‘Honestly, not great.’ Rowlinson rubbed the back of his head. He looked stressed: there were bags under his eyes and lines on his face Priest hadn’t seen before. ‘We keep coming back to your trial, of course; but something tells me that’s not the whole story. There’s something more complicated going on.’

‘I agree entirely.’