‘Rachel mentioned M1 said something to Camel Hair Coat Man about having “a nice XJS on the front if he was interested” – sounds like the sort of thing a car dealer might say.’

‘Rachel knows nothing about the makes or models of cars, but she’s got an excellent memory, almost photographic I’d say. Her description of Camel Hair Coat Man’s car is good, so I was thinking of making up an album of lots of different sports type cars and see if she can pick.’

Kingston opened his desk drawer and took out what Jane thought was a newspaper and handed it to her.

‘This is the latest issue of Exchange & Mart – it’s full of new and used motors of all makes and sizes.’

Jane shook her head. ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

‘Because you’re a woman, and you let your boyfriends, husbands or fathers buy cars for you,’ he said with a smirk.

She laughed. ‘I’ll have you know I bought my car all on my own, thank you.’

‘Which explains the colour. Can I see your notes again, please?’

She handed them to him.

‘What are your feelings about the man in the camel hair coat?’ he asked.

‘On the face of it, the conversation M1 had with him didn’t suggest they were talking about a robbery. It could have been something to do with a business deal, and the envelope he gave to M1 could have contained a contract or something like that.’

He looked at Jane’s notes. ‘Agreed, but M1 wouldn’t show M2 the contents of the envelope and said something to do with “champagne and caviar for life”. If they were to commit a massive robbery it would set them up for life – and you have to wonder why M1 was so guarded about the envelope and wouldn’t open it in the cafe if it was just a business contract.’

‘Do you think it might have contained plans for a robbery?’

‘If the men in the cafe were involved in yesterday’s botched job, they could be planning another one to make up for it.’

‘Does that mean I can make further enquiries about them?’ Jane asked.

‘Murphy will have to make that decision, but as far as I’m concerned the answer’s yes.’

‘I’m not exactly his flavour of the month.’

‘I can’t see how he can ignore your information – especially as it’s the only lead we’ve got that’s worth pursuing so far. You’ve got the weekend to do some more digging—’

‘Katie told me that Murphy said I was to take the weekend off.’

‘On the basis of what you’ve uncovered so far I’m authorising you to work it.’

‘Can I have that in writing?’