He thought about it. ‘Speak to Nick when the place is closed. If you think he’s as trustworthy as Kevin Bottomley says, ask him if a couple of officers can use his upstairs flat as an observation point until we can find a single OP that overlooks both the cafe and the snooker hall.’

‘Is that a yes for me to start waitressing on Monday if Nick agrees?’

He shook his head. ‘No, I’m on duty over the weekend and Murphy’s off. You can keep me updated and I’ll decide on the next course of action. Anything else you want to talk about?’

‘No, that’s all I can think of for now.’

‘Then let’s go and have that drink.’

She picked up her pocket notebook and Rachel’s notes, then returned to the main office, where she saw the PNC printouts on her desk.

‘Thanks for these, Katie,’ she said, picking them up.

‘My pleasure. How’d it go with Kingston? Was he pleased with your information?’ Katie asked, avoiding eye contact.

‘Some of it, but he wants me to make further enquiries over the weekend – see if I can “firm up” what I’ve got before approaching Murphy.’

‘That’s sound advice. What have you got so far?’

She forced a smile as Jane unlocked the drawer in her desk and put in her pocket notebook with Rachel’s notes.

‘Not as much as I thought, but hopefully I’ll uncover more. Kingston said to ask if you wanted to join us for a drink at the Prince of Wales.’

She locked the drawer and pocketed the key.

‘I’d love to but I’m out tonight and I’ve got a couple of things to finish off here before I head home.’

‘Maybe another time then – just the two of us.’

Still smiling tightly, Katie said, ‘I’d like that. Be good to get to know each other a bit better.’

Kingston walked out of his office and looked at Jane.

‘Ready to go?’

She picked up her coat and bag. ‘Katie’s out tonight so she won’t be joining us.’

‘That’s a shame. See you Monday then.’

He walked past Katie without looking at her.

Once Jane and Kingston had gone, Katie went to the window and watched Jane get in her car and follow Kingston down the road. She waited a few minutes, then grabbed her handbag and coat and left the office.

*

Kingston paid the barman for a pint of lager and a white wine, then took the drinks over to Jane, who was sitting at a small round table by the window.

‘You want something to eat?’ he asked, before taking a sip of his drink.

‘Are you having anything?’

‘Their scampi and chips in a basket isn’t bad – we could share if you’re not that hungry.’

‘One between us would be great.’ She reached into her bag. ‘I’ll pay for it.’