Rachel shook her head and signed that Nick, the cafe owner, came to the table to take away her dirty plate and was wiping the table down as the man left, so she couldn’t see his face clearly.

‘Did M1 and M2 have any further conversation after the man in the camel hair coat left?’

Rachel nodded and signed to Emma.

‘M2 tried to take the envelope from M1, but he pulled it away and said something about “champagne and caviar for life”. He folded the envelope in half and put it in the pocket of his coat, which was on the back of his chair.’

Jane knew that the conversation M1 had had with M2 and the man in the camel hair coat wasn’t obviously about a robbery. In fact, it seemed more likely they were discussing a business deal that had gone wrong and the man in the camel hair coat was offering them another one that could be more successful.

‘Did M1 say anything else?’

Rachel shook her head and said that he just said some stuff about how Tina’s wedding was costing him a fortune. Then she left the cafe and went back to work.

‘Are there any other people you’ve seen sitting with M1 and 2?’

Rachel signed that a younger, attractive, blond-haired man, who was maybe late twenties or early thirties, had been in a few times when M1 and M2 were there. But she had never paid attention to any of them until Monday, when she saw M1 moving the sugar cubes and condiments about.

‘What I need now is a description of M1 and M2. If it’s easier than signing you can write them down in my pocket notebook for me. You’ve given me their ages, so all I need now is their height, hair and eye colour, any notable facial features and what they were wearing.’

Rachel signed to Emma.

‘She said she could draw their faces for you if you like.’

‘That’s a great idea, but I’m a bit pressed for time right now as I have to get back to the office and type up a report. I could pick the drawings up from you at work on Monday, if that’s OK?’

Rachel nodded. Jane asked if she would mind sitting beside her on the sofa, so she could read the descriptions, and if necessary, ask questions as she wrote them down. Rachel moved over beside Jane, who handed her the police pocket notebook and pen.

‘Do M1 first.’

Rachel wrote:

5 ft 11 inches, brown swept back thick hair with grey streaks at the sides above his ears and dark eyes, brown or green maybe. Slim, well-built and looks fit for his age. Dresses smartly, often in a pinstripe blue or grey suit, shirt and tie and sometimes wears a shiny green coat.