Emma nodded. ‘I understand, officer.’

‘Please, call me Jane. Have you actually reported the abuse incidents to the police?’

‘Um, no, we were worried if we did the police would have to speak to the boys and it would only make things worse for us.’

Dobbs returned with the food and drinks.

‘I got you a teacake as well, Emma, and I’ve just arranged for someone to cover for you in drapery, so there’s no need to rush.’

He sat down and took a sip of his coffee.

Jane got out her pocket notebook and pen and put them on the table, wondering how best to get rid of Dobbs.

Before she could say anything, Emma gave him a forlorn look, then leant towards him and whispered, ‘I don’t wish to appear rude, Mr Dobbs, but the officer wants me to tell her about the disgusting language the boys used when they abused us, which as a woman I’d rather not repeat in your presence . . . if you don’t mind.’

‘I totally understand, Emma. I’ll leave you to discuss it with Sergeant Tennison.’ He stood up.

She looked up at him and spoke softly. ‘Thank you for being so understanding, Mr Dobbs.’

He smiled, put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it.

‘I’ll be in my office if you need me, Emma. Perhaps the two of us can draft another letter to the council about the ongoing abuse.’

‘Thank you, Mr Dobbs,’ she said, and he left.

Jane wondered from their body language if there was more than just a working relationship between them. She was also surprised at how naturally Emma had lied to him.

Jane smiled. ‘I don’t think Mr Dobbs will be too pleased when he finds out I lied to him – and neither will my boss if he reports me,’ she said, and sipped her tea. ‘I believe you told the duty sergeant you heard some men in a cafe talking about a robbery.’

Emma dabbed the cake crumbs from her lips with a napkin.

‘No, it was my sister Rachel.’

Jane was confused. ‘Your sister spoke to the sergeant?’

‘No, she didn’t want to go into the station, so I spoke to him about what happened in the cafe. I’ve never been in the cafe – Rachel was, and the men were sat a couple of tables away from her.’

‘Then they must have been talking loudly if she heard what they were saying in a busy cafe?’

Jane was beginning to wonder if Emma was confused about what had happened, or even making things up to get some attention.

‘Rachel didn’t actually hear what was said – she saw what was said.’

Jane put her pen down and sat back in her chair.

‘I’m finding this a bit confusing, Emma. Did you tell the duty sergeant you were there on behalf of your sister?’