‘I’ve spoken to Hertfordshire and Kent CID, but they’ve had nothing similar in the last six months. Essex and Surrey have a possible and I’m waiting for them to fax the details over to me.’

‘Why are the carrot cruncher forces always so bloody slow with everything? Let me see it as soon as it arrives. Any update on the forensics, Dabs?’

‘I’ve spoken to the scientist in the gun room. He’s aware of the priorities and said he’ll start on the exhibits as soon as we submit them, which will be after the meeting. I’ve prepared the lab form and just need DS Tennison as exhibits officer to check it before you sign it.’ He held the lab form up.

‘Let me see it.’

Murphy got a pen out, signed the lab form and gave it back to Dabs.

Jane wasn’t sure if he’d signed it without reading it to save time, or just to belittle her in front of the team.

‘While we’re on forensics . . . I’ve had a result back from the traffic PC who examined the Cortina’s ignition barrel. There’s no sign that a screwdriver was forced into the barrel, which puts the owner’s claim it was stolen in doubt. I’d like the Colonel and Bax to pay Mr Braun a visit after the meeting. If you think he’s lying or being evasive then nick him.’

Jane wasn’t surprised Murphy hadn’t acknowledged it was her idea to call the traffic officer to examine the Cortina, but it was still galling. She raised her hand, but Murphy ignored her and looked instead at Kingston.

‘Stewart, did you manage to get a statement from the landlady of the pub?’

‘Yes, and the artist’s impression, which is up on the wall.’

He took a duplicate out of a folder, which he handed to Murphy.

‘That’s a good drawing – get some “Appeal for Assistance” posters made up with details of the robbery, then circulate it Met-wide and in the papers. I know it could result in a shedload of dead-end calls, but we might strike lucky. Once it’s circulated Tennison can help Katie man the phones and make CRO enquiries with any names we’re given. Have you made an appointment for Simpson to view albums at the Yard, Stewart?’

‘She’s busy all weekend and can’t get anyone to manage the pub for her until Monday at the earliest.’

‘Tell her it’s urgent, see if you can rearrange it for an earlier time, or to speed things up, get an album made up of mugshots that look like the artist’s impression and within the same age range. Then Tennison can take it to her to look through.’

Jane knew Murphy was deliberately burdening her with all the menial tasks but knew she couldn’t complain about it without angering him further. Teflon nudged her arm.