‘Sir, if you got a moment.’

Gillard nodded, then raised his eyes as he saw Hoskins carefully close the door behind him. ‘Something confidential, Carl?’ He gestured for the detective to sit. He did so.

‘ANPR picked up Ray Slater’s car at Chieveley services at the time Blanchard’s car was set ablaze.’

‘Yes, I’ve just seen the results. I was assuming he trailed Vicky Willow’s car.’

‘I want you to know that he’d been asking me for favours. I used to be his brother-in-law, he’s the brother of my ex-wife.’

Gillard leaned forward, steepling his hands. ‘Favours since when, Carl?’

‘Shortly after the body was dug up. He’s been looking for Ozzy Blanchard on behalf of the water company. He asked me for ANPR details and phone traces for him. I refused. He rang me a lot of times, badgering me based on our connection. For a long time I just thought it was an irritation, but now I’m thinking…’

‘You should have told me immediately,’ Gillard said. ‘This has slowed up our inquiry. If Slater had been boasting to Aqua Western about having sources in this office, it must have got back to DCS Anderson’s own whistleblower in the company. No wonder she wouldn’t tell us anything. And in her shoes I’d have done the same.’

‘I know. I didn’t want to get in shit with the family, I just stonewalled him.’

Gillard inhaled deeply, leaned back, and cupped his hands behind his head. His eyes were studying the ceiling as if the answer to this conundrum was somehow written there.

‘I need you to document every call and every request. I’m also going to download your search history on the case, to see if it tallies what with what you just told me. I can’t afford to take your word for it, you do understand that? If I see anything, it goes up to Professional Standards.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Right. Carl, I’m really disappointed you didn’t tell me straightaway, and now I’m doubly pissed off to have to lose you from this inquiry seeing as we’re so short-staffed. But despite all that, you’re off the case.’

Gillard dismissed him, and as Hoskins closed the door behind him he could see his boss, swearing quietly at the ceiling. He’d only gone five yards before Gillard called him back in.

‘Right, Carl. We need Slater, and I imagine he’s now gone to ground.’

‘Yes.’

‘Tell me everything you know about him: career, family, associates, interests, strengths, weaknesses. Everything.’

‘So I’m not off the case?’

‘You will be, Carl. But after I’ve wrung from you every piece of information about him I’m going to set a trap. And you will be the bait. I just have to get Radar Dobbs to sign off on it.’